The Scottish Government have introduced a change to the way some Council Tax charges are calculated by amending the council tax multiplier, meaning the top four bands – Bands E-H – will rise in proportion to the others from 1st April 2017.
For Stirling residents, this means Band E will rise by £110 more per year (7.5%), Band F by £216 more per year (12.5%), Band G by £349 more per year (17.5%) and Band H by £539 more per year (22.5%). The changes do not affect Bands A – D.
A low-income household exemption is available for those households with an average weekly income of less than £479 (or less than £321 for single-person households), and those who have less than £16,000 in savings/capital, who can apply for a reduction from the increased charge by printing a b2 form or phoning 01786 233210.
For those in low-income households and already in receipt of Council Tax Reduction or Council Tax discounts such as Single Adult Discount or Disability Reduction, there is no need to re-apply – the 2017/18 Council Tax bill will include any reductions entitled to automatically.
Those having difficulty paying Council Tax can spread payments over 12 months by direct debit, or agree on a payment arrangement, by calling 01786 233210 for assistance.
Stirling Council Leader Johanna Boyd said: “Councils set the Band D council tax and every other band is then calculated as a percentage of that figure. The Scottish Government changes to the ‘multiplier’ for properties in Bands E to H mean that a Band E household in Stirling will pay £110 more in council tax in the next financial year, rising to £539 for Band H households. Stirling Council has issued letters to all households affected by the changes to make them aware of the impact for them.”
Stirling Council will set its own tax rate at a budget meeting on Thursday 23rd February 2017.
To check your band and sign up for ebilling please go to https://www.stirling.gov.uk/publicaccesslive/selfservice/dashboard.htm .
Scottish Water and Waste Water Charges for 2017/18 are detailed in the table above.