Whether debts relating to water charges have the same status as council tax debts in the debt collection process and, if so, what the justi…

In Scotland, debts, whether they are for water charges, rent, council tax or due to utilities are treated equally in the debt collection process. However, if the debtor is in receipt of certain benefits and the debts are being recovered by direct deductions, these are made in the order set out in Schedule 9 to the Social Security (Claims and Payments) Regulations 1987. In Scotland, council tax and water charges debts are collected together and are therefore on an equal footing. Debts in relation to electricity, gas or rent hold a higher priority in the 1987 regulations than those for water charges.