Utilities and council tax

The short answer

In Scotland, water and waste water charges are usually billed together with council tax rather than separately, which differs from arrangements elsewhere in the UK. On moving day, take meter readings for gas and electricity, contact suppliers to set up or transfer the account, and register for council tax with the local authority as soon as your date of entry is confirmed.

Setting up energy supply

You can usually stay with the existing supplier at the new property or switch to a different one, but either way you need to give a meter reading and confirm the date you took occupancy. If the property has a smart meter, readings are often automatic, though it is still worth photographing the display on entry day.

Water charges and council tax in Scotland

Scottish Water charges are collected via the council tax bill for most household properties, rather than billed separately, so registering council tax with the local authority also sets up water and waste water charges. This is a key difference from England and Wales.

• Register with the relevant local authority as soon as the date of entry is confirmed
• Provide your Home Report or title details if requested for banding queries
• Check whether you qualify for any council tax discount, such as single occupancy

Broadband and other services

Broadband and landline are usually arranged separately from energy and council tax and can take longer to activate, particularly if a new line needs to be installed, so it is worth starting this process a few weeks before moving.

What it usually costs

Indicative ranges only, to help you judge a quote. They are not an estimate for your property — only the business doing the work can give you that.

• Council tax bands and rates vary by local authority and property band; contact the relevant council for exact figures
• Energy supplier switching is generally free, though early exit fees can apply on fixed-term tariffs at the old property
• Single occupancy council tax discount is typically 25% where it applies

What to do, in order

1. 1Take meter readings on the day you leave and the day you arrive
2. 2Contact energy suppliers to transfer or set up the account
3. 3Register for council tax with the relevant local authority
4. 4Check whether a single occupancy or other discount applies
5. 5Set up or transfer water charges, which in Scotland run through council tax
6. 6Arrange broadband and landline well ahead of moving day

Local detail for the Lothians

• City of Edinburgh Council, East Lothian Council, Midlothian Council and West Lothian Council each handle council tax registration through their own portal, so check the correct authority for your new address
• Properties in commuter towns such as Dalkeith or Linlithgow fall under a different council to Edinburgh, which can mean different bin collection days and discount schemes
• Older tenement flats in central Edinburgh sometimes share a communal water supply arrangement that is worth clarifying with the factor
• Rural properties in East Lothian may have a private water supply rather than a mains connection, which is handled separately from the standard council tax water charge

Common questions

Do I need to pay for water separately in Scotland?

For most household properties, no — Scottish Water charges are collected together with your council tax bill rather than billed separately.

Can I keep the same energy supplier when I move?

Yes, most suppliers can transfer your account to a new address, or you can switch to a different supplier at the same time if you prefer.

Related pages

• Changing your address

  Who to tell when you move, and a sensible order to work through the list.

• Broadband and media

  Getting broadband, TV and phone connected in your new home without a gap in service.

• Moving home checklist

  A week-by-week plan covering everything from instructing a solicitor to collecting the keys.