Two in five Scots struggling with bills and credit commitments, as StepChange launches government-backed Debt Advice guide

^{17 September 2024}

New research commissioned through YouGov by StepChange Debt Charity of UK adults (of whom 185 live in Scotland) has revealed two in five (41%) Scots have found it difficult to keep up with bills and credit commitments in the last few months. This is up by twelve percentage points year-on-year, from three in ten (29%) in September 2023.

The poll also shows:

• In September 2024, one in three (34%) adults in Scotland have shown at least one sign of financial difficulty in the past three months. A figure which was 30% in September 2023.
• Around one in seven (15%) adults in Scotland have rationed the amount of heating and electricity they have used to keep up with credit repayments.
• Around one in eight (13%) adults in Scotland would not be able to pay any of an unexpected bill of £1,000 immediately without turning to borrowing. A further one in ten (10%) would not be able to pay more than £250 without turning to borrowing.

The polling comes as StepChange Scotland, in partnership with the Scottish Government, has today launched a new Debt Guide, a handbook designed to offer an overview of the signs of debt, managing income and budgeting, emergency help, and what debt solutions are available, with the aim of improving access to free debt advice services for Scots struggling with their finances.

With winter approaching and households facing a rise in the energy price cap next month, people may start to see their outgoings creep up, making those on lower incomes more vulnerable to the risk of problem debt.

The new Guide includes information on how to recognise when debt is becoming a problem, alongside detailed guidance on what free debt advice and solutions can offer to someone struggling.

Any organisation can order free copies of the English language print guide to support their customers via the StepChange website.

The digital edition of the Guide, which is also available in Urdu, Polish and Punjabi, can be downloaded from StepChange’s website. There are also video guides available.

Sharon Bell, Head of StepChange Scotland, said:

“Many Scots are still struggling to keep on top of bills and credit commitments, as essential living costs have soared in recent years. It’s vital that as many people as possible know that free and impartial debt advice is available to help those going through financial hardship.

“Our new Debt Guide provides useful insight around where someone can turn if they’re experiencing problem debt, what happens at debt advice, and what solutions may be presented to them to start their journey to becoming debt-free.

“We know that talking about money and financial difficulty can be daunting and can often be a barrier to people seeking help. However, debt problems can happen to anyone, and no one should have to deal with financial stresses alone. Getting help early can be hugely beneficial in overcoming debt problems quickly.”

Free, confidential debt advice is available 24/7 using StepChange’s online debt advice service at www.stepchange.org

Notes to Editors

1. StepChange’s new Scottish Debt Guide can be downloaded here. Order printed copies here.
2. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,211 adults. Scottish figures are based on a sub-sample of 185 respondents. Fieldwork was undertaken between 9th - 10th September 2024.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).
3. September 2023 polling was from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,986 adults. Scottish figures are based on a sub-sample of 170 respondents. Fieldwork was undertaken between 1st - 3rd September 2023.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).
4. Signs of financial difficulty include doing at least one of the following actions in the last three months: making just the minimum repayments on debts, using overdraft in each of the last three months, using credit, loans or an overdraft to make it through to payday; falling behind on essential household bills (e.g. rent, mortgage, energy bills, council tax etc.), using credit to keep up with existing credit commitments, getting hit by late payment or default charges, missing a regular monthly payment on at least one debt, and using credit to pay essential household bills (e.g. rent, mortgage, energy bills, council tax etc).