Renfrewshire will be one of three local authority areas to receive additional assistance to help people struggling with council tax debt as part of a pilot scheme.

The Scottish Government is providing Citizens Advice Scotland with £200,000 to understand the reasons behind council tax arrears and to work with local councils to reduce and prevent such debt in the future.

Citizen's Advice Bureaux in Renfrewshire, Clackmannanshire, and the Scottish Borders will test different ways of working including providing targeted aid to individuals with council tax debt, simplifying referral processes between councils and advisory services, and conducting joint training sessions for council and Citizens Advice employees.

Natalie Don, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, said: “The SNP Scottish Government know many people are struggling with the cost of living crisis, which is why we are targeting resources at those most in need.

“Council tax debt is a significant issue and one that particularly affects the most vulnerable. The three Bureaux involved in these pilots, including Renfrewshire Citizen’s Advice, have established relationships with their local authorities.

"This funding will help build on those connections to support individuals tackle problem debt and also provide valuable learning on how public sector debt can best be managed.

“Advice services are critical to our communities, supporting people to understand their rights and entitlements, maximising incomes and helping to reduce poverty.

"I am glad that the Scottish Government will invest more than £12.5 million in a range of advice services providing free income maximisation, welfare and debt advice.”