Rising cost of living payment will benefit 8,600 households in Orkney

Around 8,600 households in Orkney are to benefit from a Scottish Government £150 payment in a bid to help with the rising cost of living.

The award will go to households in Council Tax band A to D and all those eligible for Council Tax reduction. Some people living in a property exempt from Council Tax are also entitled to the payment.

Scottish Minsters announced the additional support as part of the Scottish Budget on 10 February 2022 details of which can be found at www.gov.scot/news/scottish-budget-bill-passed

In line with other Scottish Councils, OIC will make the award as a reduction from Council Tax and water service charges for the financial year 2022-23.

The Council’s Revenues and Benefits Manager, William Moore, said: “There’s no need for customers to do anything, we will identify everyone who is eligible and there’s no need to apply for the award. Your Council Tax bill issued in March will show the reduction and how much you still need to pay.

“Where you receive the £150 award and it is more than the total Council Tax and water service charges shown on your bill, we will arrange to issue a payment for the excess amount during April, by cheque or bank transfer. This will happen automatically and, again, there is no need to apply.”