MORE than quarter of a million people in Scotland have missed a council tax payment over the last year as the cost-of-living crisis continues to bite, a charity has warned.

A Citizens’ Advice Scotland (CAS) analysis of YouGov polling, carried out on their behalf, suggests a staggering 276,186 people — more than one in 10 Scottish households — had failed to make at least one council tax payment over the last year.

The national advice charity fears that those struggling may be putting off payments as they grapple with rocketing rents, mortgages, prices and private debt.

But CAS has warned that the debt collection process for council tax arrears is both “quicker and harsher” and can lead to bank, wage or benefit arrestment in as little as a month, risking even further hardship.

CAS financial health spokesperson Myles Fitt said: “The sheer scale of people who have missed a council tax payment last year is alarming.

“The cost-of-living crisis is undoubtedly a key factor in this.

“People are prioritising essential costs like heating, food and shelter and in some cases that means skipping or not being able to pay their monthly council tax bill.

“As council tax bills land on doorsteps in the coming weeks for the next financial year, we urge people to factor in the consequences of not paying council tax as they determine their spending priorities.

“Anyone who has missed a council tax payment or is struggling with paying bills or falling into debt should seek advice from the Citizens Advice network.

“You can go to www.cas.org.uk/stressed and choose a route to advice that works for you. Our advice is free, impartial and confidential and we don’t judge, we just help.”