Finance

What we do

We manage the Council's finances responsibly and openly - overseeing income and expenditure, ensuring value for money and planning for sustainable investment in the future.

Council tax

Find out how Council Tax is charged, how to pay, and how to get help if you're struggling.

Change of address or ownership

If your address or property ownership changes, you need to tell us as it may affect your Council Tax liability. The quickest way to do this is through our MyOrkney online portal. You can also download and return the relevant form.

Council tax banding and charges

Every domestic property in Orkney is placed in one of eight valuation bands, from Band A to Band H, based on an estimate of its value on the open market in April 1991. Newer properties are given a band when they are built, based on what their value would have been on 1 April 1991.

Business rates

Find out how business rates are calculated, how to pay, and what to do if you're struggling with a payment.

Council tax reduction

Council Tax Reduction (CTR) is a scheme to help people on low incomes pay their Council Tax. It replaced Council Tax Benefit in April 2013 and is administered by us on behalf of the Scottish Government.

Finances

This section brings together our key financial documents and information, including annual accounts, budgets, pension details, Council charges and health and care finance.

Business rates reductions

Find out about the reliefs and exemptions that may reduce your business rates bill, and how to apply.

Discounts, exemptions and disabled reductions

You may be entitled to a discount or exemption on your Council Tax depending on who lives in your property, how it is used, or whether it has been adapted for a disabled person. This page explains what is available and how to apply.

Budgets and accounting

This page brings together our key financial documents, including our annual accounts, revenue estimates, pension fund reports and other financial statements.

Empty properties and second homes

If you own a property that is empty or used as a second home, different Council Tax rules apply. This page explains the discounts, exemptions and surcharges that may affect you, and where to get advice on bringing an empty property back into use.

Financial documents and charges

Paying council tax

Find out how to pay your Council Tax, what to do if you think your bill is wrong, and how to appeal.

Pensions

We administer the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) on behalf of Orkney Islands Council employees and other organisations that participate in the fund.

Benefits and financial support

Find out about benefits and financial support if your income's changed or you're struggling to manage.

Adult disability payment

Adult Disability Payment (ADP) is a Scottish benefit for people aged 16 to 65 who have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability that affects their ability to carry out daily living activities or get around. ADP replaced Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland and is administered by Social Security Scotland, not by Orkney Islands Council.

Benefits cap

There is a limit on the total amount of benefit that most people aged 16 to 64 can receive. This is called the Benefit Cap.

Housing benefit

Housing Benefit helps people on low incomes pay their rent. For most working-age people this help now comes through Universal Credit rather than Housing Benefit. However, you may still be able to claim Housing Benefit directly if you live in supported or temporary accommodation, or if you are of pension age. If you are part of a couple and one of you is pension age, please contact us for advice on what to claim as it will depend on your circumstances.

Other benefits and help

If you are struggling to manage, there are steps you can take and local organisations that can help. You may be able to increase your working hours, apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment to help with rent shortfalls, or seek independent money advice.

Under-occupancy (bedroom tax)

Housing Benefit helps people on low incomes pay their rent. Most working-age people now claim housing costs through Universal Credit rather than Housing Benefit, but Housing Benefit remains available to pension-age claimants and some other groups.

Universal credit

Universal Credit is a single monthly payment that has replaced six previous working-age benefits: income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit.

Scottish welfare fund

We administer the Scottish Welfare Fund on behalf of the Scottish Government. It provides grants to people on benefits or a low income who need urgent financial help. There are two types of grant.

Financial support for school children and students

Find out about bursaries, EMA, free school meals and other financial support for students.

Bursaries

A Further Education Bursary can help eligible students with the costs of studying a full-time college course, including living, travel and study expenses.

Education maintenance allowance (EMA)

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) provides eligible young people from lower-income households with £30 per week to support them in continuing their education after age 16.

Kirkwood bequest

Financial support of up to £1,000 per year for Stromness Academy pupils progressing to approved agricultural or veterinary courses.

Student interview expenses

Financial support is available to help eligible young people in Orkney with the cost of travelling to college or university interviews outside Orkney. Funding is limited and awarded on a first come, first served basis.

Other student funding

Find information on funding and financial support for further education, higher education, postgraduate study, and nursing or midwifery courses in Scotland.