Extra resources to support your move
These extra resources will help support your move to Scotland.
Services that are different in Scotland to the rest of the UK
Read more about the following services that are different in, or unique to, Scotland:
- Benefits in Scotland administered by Social Security Scotland
- Council Tax includes your water bill in Scotland, paid separately in the rest of UK
- Discretionary Housing Payment to help with housing costs
- Student finances administered by Student Awards Agency Scotland
- School enrolment is based on school age year categorisation and pupil placement catchment area
- Early years childcare funding and hours
- Legal system in Scotland
- Free bus travel for those aged under 22 years and 60 years and over from Transport Scotland
- House selling and buying system
Utility bills and providers in Scotland
When you move to Scotland, you’ll need to set up your phone, TV and broadband, as well as your energy supplier.
Social tariffs
If you’re struggling to pay your phone, internet or TV bill, you might be able to get a cheaper deal through a ‘social tariff’. It depends on which benefits you get in Scotland.
Find out more about social tariffs on Citizens Advice Scotland website.
Check which providers offer social tariffs on the Ofcom website.
Compare broadband social tariffs on the MoneySavingExpert.com.
Water supply charges
Most homes in Scotland are provided with water by Scottish Water.
The cost of water and sewerage is included in the Council Tax paid to your local council unless you have a water meter.
Any Council Tax discount that you get also applies to water and sewerage.
If you have a private water supply, you do not have to pay Scottish Water for it, but there are some rules you must follow.
Find out more about water bills on Citizens Advice Scotland website.
Redirect your post to your new address
When you move, you might want to make sure your post moves with you. This’ll help avoid time delays when it comes to gathering documents, like medical information, benefit letters and bank statements.
Find out how to get your mail redirected on the Post Office website.
It can take 10 days to set up the redirection service. You need to pay for it, but prices are lower if you get Universal Credit or Pension Credit.
Get a quote and apply for the Royal Mail’s redirection service.
Other help available
Contact Citizens Advice Scotland for independent support and advice. You can either:
- call them free on 0808 028 1456
- go to cas.org.uk
- visit your local branch
Other organisations and services in your area might also be able to help you. Contact your local council to find out more.
Contact your local council
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Aberdeen City Council
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Aberdeenshire Council
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Angus Council
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Argyll and Bute Council
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Clackmannanshire Council
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Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
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Dumfries and Galloway Council
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Dundee City Council
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East Ayrshire Council
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East Dunbartonshire Council
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East Lothian Council
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East Renfrewshire Council
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Edinburgh Council
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Falkirk Council
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Fife Council
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Glasgow City Council
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Highland Council
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Inverclyde Council
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Midlothian Council
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Moray Council
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North Ayrshire Council
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North Lanarkshire Council
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Orkney Islands Council
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Perth and Kinross Council
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Renfrewshire Council
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Scottish Borders Council
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Shetland Islands Council
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South Ayrshire Council
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South Lanarkshire Council
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Stirling Council
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West Dunbartonshire Council
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West Lothian Council