Consumer Information
Information Guides
Consumer Information:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
Can I get a reduction of Vehicle Excise Duty?
If you are disabled you may be entitled to a reduction or exemption of vehicle tax. The vehicle must be registered in your name or a specific driver’s name and must only be used for your personal needs.
You can apply for exemption if you get the:
- higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment – mygov.scot
- War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
You can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax if you get the Personal Independence Payment or Adult Disability Payment standard rate mobility component Adult Disability Payment – mygov.scot
You can find out more here Vehicles exempt from vehicle tax – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
What help is there with energy costs?
Energy costs used to be a worry in winter but now bills can be a challenge all year round.
The good news is there are different grants and schemes available to help people improve the heating in their homes and keep heating costs down.
Home Energy Scotland is a free energy advice service funded by the Scottish Government to help people save money and keep their homes warmer. They offer simple energy saving tips, and know about funding schemes and how to access them.
Their website Home Energy Scotland offers help with finding funding, reducing your bills, making your home warmer and living a greener life. You can call them on 0808 808 2282
Consumer Information:Search for Local Organisations
Our quick search tool can connect you to over 3000 service providers, suppliers and organisations supporting people across Scotland. To find support near you, simply enter your search term and select your local authority.
| Organisation | Description |
|---|---|
| HM Revenue & Customs (Child Tax Credit & Working Tax Credit) | Provide tax credits to people with children and / or people who work a minimum of sixteen hours per week |
| HMSA – Hypermobility Syndromes Association | Providing help with any type of hypermobility syndrome, including Joint Hypermobility Syndrome or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Marfan, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Stickler etc |
| Home Energy Scotland | Home Energy Scotland offers free advice and support to help you make your home warmer, reduce energy bills, and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. Its service is funded by the Scottish Government and managed by Energy Saving Trust. It is… |
| HomeSwapper.co.uk | UK wide register of tenants who want to swap homes |
| Horizon Housing Association | Work with communities to provide equality of housing opportunity |
| Hourglass (Safer Ageing) | Hourglass (Formerly Action on Elder Abuse) launched a new 24/7 helpline in Scotland and anyone in the UK which can help anyone concerned about harm or abuse of an older person. The free 24/7 Helpline can offer free and impartial advice and support on:… |
| HUG – Action for Mental Health | Services provided: HUG is part of SPIRIT Advocacy – a collective advocacy group, which represents the interests of users of mental health services across the Highlands of Scotland. SPIRIT also incorporates People First Highland – advocacy for people wi… |
| Hyperactive Children’s Support Group | Aims: To provide help, information and ideas for hyperactive / ADHD children, families and professionals. Services provided: Offers advice, support and information to families Conducts research and promotes investigation into the incidence of hyperacti… |
| ICP Support | Aims: ICP Support provides support and research-based information to families affected by intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) and the health professionals involved in their care. ICP, also known as obstetric cholestasis (OC), is the most common… |
| Illegal Money Lending Unit | Anyone who is a victim of money lending can get advice and support from the Illegal Money Lending Unit |
