A PILOT scheme to help reduce council tax debt among the most vulnerable will be launched in Clackmannanshire.

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) has been awarded the Scottish Government funding to improve understanding of why some people end up in council tax arrears.

This money, worth £200,000, will also allow CAS to work alongside local councils to help reduce and prevent council tax debt.

The Clackmannanshire Citizens Advice Bureau will join the bureaux in Renfrewshire and the Scottish Borders in using the funding to try out new methods of helping people manage their debt.

Targeted support will be provided to individuals, simplifying the referral processes between councils and advice services.

Paul McLennan, housing minister, visited the CAB in Roxburgh and Berwickshire to launch the project.

He said: “We know many people are struggling in the cost-of-living crisis and that 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 have established relationships with their local authorities.

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

“Advice centres are critical to Scotland’s communities, supporting people to understand their rights and entitlements, maximising incomes and helping to reduce poverty.

“This year, we will invest more than £12.5 million in a range of advice services providing free income maximisation, welfare and debt advice.”