Scotland moves to halve council tax bills for domestic abuse survivors
The Scottish Government has opened a consultation on a planned reform that would let domestic abuse survivors pay only half of their joint council tax and water and sewerage charges when criteria are met. Survivors could also seek council support to reduce or clear the remainder. A 63-day pause before enforcement will apply to all council taxpayers from 1 April 2027.
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What does it mean?
If you have been abused and share a council tax bill with your abuser, the planned change could mean you only pay half. You could also ask your council to help with what remains. Everyone would get more time after a missed payment before the council can take action.
Who is affected?
Domestic abuse survivors who share council tax liability with an abusive partner, and all council taxpayers who will receive the 63-day window before enforcement.
What changes?
Currently, a council can pursue any jointly liable person for the full bill. Under the proposal, eligible survivors would owe only half, and all taxpayers would get a 63-day period after a missed payment from 1 April 2027.