276,000 Scots are now relying on credit cards to pay essential bills
Citizen’s Advice Scotland (CAS) has launched a new campaign called ‘Stressed about Debt’ which is aimed at encouraging people to reach out and seek advice if they’re struggling financially.
Increasing prices in the energy sector, and supermarkets, but no wage rises is leaving many Scots relying on credit cards to pay for essentials such as gas bills.
A spokesperson from debt charity StepChange said: “The cost of living is squeezing so many people’s budgets”
“A third of our clients facing are negative budgets, meaning their income doesn’t cover their essential costs, people are becoming increasingly reliant on credit to get by.”
According to CAS those who reach out can be thousands of pounds better off after receiving financial advice.
Sarah-Jayne Dunn from CAS said: “We look at what you have coming in, what entitlements you are receiving, and what can be done.
“We do have a set formula but we focus on working together with the person that needs help and taking a look at all the options and solutions available.
“Often people know what needs to be done, but they just need someone to talk to and do it.”
Dunn is calling for more debt advisors to be made available to people in Scotland and for the government to speak up about the benefits people can claim.
She added: “For example, pension credit is one of the under-claimed entitlements out there and can be very helpful.
“We are constantly in communication with the government to find what can help our clients and to make sure that we aren’t just putting a plaster over a gashing wound.”
If you or anyone you know is struggling with debt, reach out to CAS or StepChange for free impartial financial advice.
