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  4. Council Tax Information

Council Tax Information

The Council Budget for 2023/24 has been set against the backdrop of unprecedented financial challenges facing all spheres of government and, indeed, right across the public sector.

The additional financial burdens of the past year have seen significant and sustained inflationary pressures, including fuel price rises compounding the cost-of-living crisis impacting us all, including the cost of delivering our vital Council services.

The Council faces a funding gap of over £20 million for 2023/24 – the single biggest gap the Council has faced over a one-year period. A Council Tax increase has been inevitable to raise additional income to close this gap, but we have been able to keep our increase to 5% which is significantly below the current rate of inflation.

To mitigate this Council Tax increase we have agreed to spend an additional £1.5 million on ongoing cost-of-living support. This includes our pensioner support payment, homelessness hardship fund, continuing our free gym and swim access for our young people and also continuing to double our school clothing grants for this coming year.

Protecting Council services in these challenging times is our utmost priority. We have therefore agreed to use our Council reserves to close the remaining funding gap, while we progress a transformation strategy, to deliver effective, efficient services through a locality-based model.

Importantly, we want your views on how we develop our Council services. Thank you to all of you who took part in our “Have YOUR Say” consultation that has informed this year’s budget. We plan to have many more conversations with our communities throughout this transformation and look forward to hearing the views that you share.

On this page you will find information on:

Further information

The information provided in this leaflet is intended only as a guide. For further detailed information please visit our council tax page For enquiries on Council Tax, including Discounts, you can also contact:

For enquiries on Council Tax, including Discounts, Reductions and Rebates you can contact: 
2 - 4 West High Street Kirkintilloch,
G66 1AD
Tel: 0141 578 8190
Email: counciltax@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
Email: benefits@eastdunbarton.gov.uk

SMS Texting We can now send SMS texts to remind you when payments are due. If you want to sign up for this service please contact us on Tel: 0141 578 8190

Council Tax Reduction

The Council Tax Reduction Scheme is a Scottish Government Scheme administered by local government. This scheme is a means-tested reduction and is calculated on your Council Tax bill, you and your partner’s weekly income, capital and your household circumstances. Council Tax Reduction is normally awarded from the Monday after we receive your completed claim form and it is paid straight into your Council Tax Account to reduce the amount you need to pay. If your own income is too high for you to qualify for Council Tax Reduction but someone else in your household is on a low income, you may be entitled to an Alternative Maximum Council Tax Reduction (previously known as a Second Adult Rebate) of up to 25% of your Council Tax liability. It is important you do not delay in applying as in most cases we are not able to backdate Council Tax Reduction even if you would have been entitled to an award if you had claimed earlier. If you are currently receiving Council Tax Reduction you do not need to re-apply. We will use the information we hold to work out how much Council Tax Reduction you are due from April 2022 and this will be shown on your bill. You can apply online or visit Discounts and Reductions for more information.

Changes in Circumstances

If you are receiving Council Tax Reduction you must tell us about any change in your household circumstances or income. Examples of some of the most common changes are an increase or decrease in your income, changes to the amount of money you have coming in, someone moving in or out of the house or changing your job. You must tell us about any change at all and we will tell you if it affects your reduction entitlement. Changes in your circumstances do not always mean you are due less reduction - you can also be due more help.

Fraud & Data Protection

The Council is under a duty to protect the public funds that it administers by preventing and detecting fraud. If you have any information about any frauds perpetrated against the Council you can report this online or call: 0300 123 4510. Further information detailing how East Dunbartonshire holds and uses your information or request a paper copy of the information from

Council Headquarters
Southbank Marina
12 Strathkelvin Place
Kirkintilloch
Glasgow
G66 1TJ

Welfare Rights & Money Advice

East Dunbartonshire residents can get a one-stop-shop approach to Welfare Rights and Money Advice issues through the local Citizens Advice Bureau. Please call: 0141 775 3220 to make an appointment.

Save Money on your Energy Bills

Home Energy Scotland from the Scottish Government is a source of free and impartial advice on how to make your home cheaper to heat. Advice and Support provided includes information on government schemes and funding available for energy efficiency improvements such as new insulation or a replacement boiler. Whether you rent or own your home,

Visit Home Energy Scotland or call: 0808 808 2282.

Scottish Welfare Fund

The Scottish Welfare Fund provides Community Care Grants, Crisis Grants and Self Isolation Grants. The Council administers this Scottish Government Scheme for the residents of East Dunbartonshire.

Grants

  • Crisis Grants may provide a safety net in an emergency or when there is an immediate threat to health or safety.
  • Self Isolation grants are to help when you are required to self isolate and your income is reduced.
  • Community Care Grants may help to enable independent living or continued independent living, thus preventing the need for institutional care. They are also intended to help families or individuals who are facing exceptional pressure. This means that a Community Care Grant could help you if you are setting up in the community after a period of care, being homeless or help you stay in your home rather than go into care. For help or further information on Scottish Welfare Fund please phone: 0300 123 4510.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit will continue to be rolled out in East Dunbartonshire in line with the Department of Work & Pensions timetable. If you are receiving Universal Credit you should still make an application for Council Tax Reduction as this is a totally separate award. Information on Universal Credit. You can also call the Department of Work & Pensions on Tel: 0800 328 5644. 

Data Protection Act and General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR)

East Dunbartonshire Council holds, uses and processes information in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998 and from 25 May 2018, the GDPR. Your information may be shared with other departments within East Dunbartonshire Council or other organisations for the purpose of: administering and collecting council tax and applying any relevant discounts and exemptions; checking the information we hold is accurate; preventing and/or detecting crime; and protecting public funds. How East Dunbartonshire Council holds and uses your information or request a paper copy of the information from:

Council Headquarters
Southbank Marina
12 Strathkelvin Place
Kirkintilloch
Glasgow
G66 1TJ

General Information

The Council Tax for your property is based on the valuation band it is placed in by the Assessor. East Dunbartonshire Council has set the Council Tax levels for the year 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 and these are detailed on the enclosed bill.

Water & Waste Charges

East Dunbartonshire Council is not responsible for setting these charges. The level of charges is set by the Water Authority and is subject to scrutiny by the Water

Commissioner and the Scottish Government. Your Council Tax bill includes the charges for your water supply and waste water collection services from Scottish Water. These charges allow Scottish Water to operate and improve services in communities across Scotland. For more details and to view/download a copy of the 2023/24 leaflet visit: Scottish Water Unmetered Charges [opens in a new window] To find out more about Scottish Water, their customer charter and keep up to date with what they are doing in your area: Visit: Scottish Water [opens in a news window] Email: help@scottishwater.co.uk or call the Scottish Water Customer Helpline free 24/7 on 0800 0778778

We are required by law to bill and collect these charges on behalf of Scottish Water. Even if you are in receipt of maximum Council Tax reduction you must pay your Water and Waste charges.

Who Pays

The person highest on the list below is normally responsible for paying the Council Tax:

  • Owner Occupier Tenant Occupier Sub-tenant Occupier Occupier
  • Owner (normally where the property is unoccupied).
  • Married, unmarried couples living together, or couples in a Civil Partnership are jointly and severally liable for payment of Council Tax and other charges, as are joint owners and joint tenants.

When to Pay

Your Council Tax is due in 10 consecutive monthly instalments payable on or by the 1st of April through to the 1st of January in each financial year. If you pay by Direct Debit you can choose to pay on the 1st, 15th or 28th of each month.

You can pay over 12 months if you pay by Direct Debit.

How to Pay

  • There are seven ways that you can pay your Council Tax: By Direct Debit - the easiest way to pay Via Direct Banking
  • By touchtone on 0300 123 4524 (24 hours a day)
  • or by telephone on 0300 123 4525 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday)
  • Online at: East Dunbartonshire Payments [opens in a new window] By credit or debit card at any of the Council’s hubs At any Post Office or local PayPoint
  • By post

What happens if you fail to pay

If you miss one or any part of an instalment you will be sent a reminder requiring you to bring your instalments completely up to date within seven days. You can only receive two of these reminders in any financial year. If you do not pay within seven days or have had two reminders you will be sent a final notice requiring you to pay the full balance due in 14 days.

If full payment is not made within 14 days, court action will be taken and a 10% statutory penalty will be added to your account. Your account will then be passed to the Sheriff Officer for collection. If you are finding it difficult to pay your Council Tax you should contact the Revenues & Benefits Team. We may be able to come to an alternative repayment arrangement or you may be entitled to help paying your Council Tax through the Council Tax Reduction Scheme.

Discounts, Exemptions & Help for People with Disabilities

If you think you may be eligible for a discount, exemption or help for people with a disability.

Information on Discounts, Exemptions & Help for People with Disabilities

Discounts

A 25% discount may be available if there is only one adult (aged 18 or more) who has their main residence in the property. Some people are not counted when deciding how many adults are resident in a property e.g. full-time students, apprentices,

people with a severe mental impairment, people who are resident in hospital or care/nursing homes. You do need to tell us about everyone in the property aged 18 or over and tell us if they are in any of the previous categories.

  • You may qualify for a 10% reduction in your Council Tax if: The property is unoccupied
  • The property is unoccupied and earlier discounts/exemptions have run out.

You may qualify for a 50% reduction (six months maximum) in your Council Tax if:

  • The property is unoccupied and unfurnished and the six months exemption period has ended.

Exemptions

There are a number of circumstances where a property may be exempt from Council Tax. Some of the most common are as follows:

  • The property is unoccupied and unfurnished for up to six months
  • The property is incapable of being lived in because it is being structurally repaired, improved or reconstructed (up to a maximum of 12 months from the date property last occupied)
  • All the residents are full-time students or under the age of 18.
  • All the residents have a severe mental impairment.

Help for people with  disabilities

A reduction may be possible if you, or someone who lives with you, has a disability and needs an extra room or bathroom to meet your/their needs, or uses a wheelchair indoors. More detailed advice is available from the Council Tax Administration Team

Changes in Circumstances

If you are in receipt of any reduction in your Council Tax you must tell us whenever your circumstances change, for example when someone moves into your home, someone turns 18 or someone stops being a student. If you fail to tell us about a change in circumstances which may affect discounts or exemptions you may be liable to a penalty of up to £500.

Appeal Rights

You can appeal to the Revenues & Benefits Section if you disagree with the decision to hold you liable to pay Council Tax or the calculation of your bill. If you remain dissatisfied, or do not receive a response within two months, you have the right of appeal to the Scottish Tribunal Service - Local Taxation Chamber.

If you have an enquiry about the Council Tax Band for your property, you should contact:

Assessor to the Joint Valuation Board,
235 Dumbarton Road,
Clydebank,
G81 4XJ.

Tel: 0141 562 1200

How we spend each pound

Council Employees (full time equivalent)

Council Employees (full time  equivalent)

2022/23                                                4,400
2021/22                                                4,482
Increase/(Decrease)                            (82)
Percentage change                             -1.8%

Comparison with Government provision for current expenditure

Government supported expenditure      £263.354m
Per dwelling                                           £5,601
Proposed spending by Council              £302.813m
Per dwelling                                           £6,440

Gross Expenditure (£million)              371.261
Less fees and charges (£million)       68.448
Net Expenditure (£million)                 302.813

  Net exp.
(excl. capital charges) £m		 Capital charges £m Net exp. (incl. capital charges) £m Change from 2021/22 (incl. capital charges) £m Change from 2021/22 (incl. capital charges) %
Education 130,822 2.707 135.786 10.023 7
Health & Social Care 71,278 0.321 71.599 4.988 7
Place N/hood & Corp Assets 78,687 2.643 81.330 9.544 12
Other Services 27,933 0.801 28.734 2.094 7
Capital Charges adjustment 0.000 4.618 4.618 2,184 47
  308.720 13.347 322.067 28.833 9

Financed by:
Government Grants     204,033
Funding from Capital   2,451
Non-Domestic Rates    24.099
Short term use of Reserves to underwrite transformation          19.254

Amount Needed from Council Tax   
Gross Income                               77.622
Council Tax Reduction Scheme   (5.392)
Net Income from Council Tax       77.230

Band D Council Tax 2022/23                       £1,415.66
Band D Council Tax 2021/22                       £1,348.25
Scottish Avge Band D Council Tax 21/22    £1,347.00

  House Value £ Council Tax 2022/23 £
A Up to 27,000 943.77
B 27,001-35,000 1,101.07
C 35,001-45,000 1,258.36
D 45,001-58,000 1,415.66
E 58,001-80,000 1,860.20
F 80,001-106,000 2,300.45
G 106,001-212,000 2,772.33
H 212,001+ 3,468.37

 

  Service Cost
1 Education 42p
2 Health & Social Care 22p
3 Place N/hood & Corp Assets 25p
4 Other Services 9p
5 Capital Charges adjustment 2p

Pie chart showing information from table above

If you have an enquiry about the Council Tax Band for your property, you should contact: Assessor to the Joint Valuation Board, 235 Dumbarton Road, Clydebank, G81 4XJ. Tel: 0141 562 1200 If you make an appeal you must continue to pay your Council Tax.