Credit, Collections & Insolvency News
StepChange Debt Charity Scotland, in partnership with the Scottish Government, has launched The Scotland Debt Guide, a handbook designed to help improve access to free debt advice services for struggling Scots.
The Debt Guide launches at a time of widespread financial distress in Scotland. Polling shows thousands of Scots are struggling with debt and are behind on essential bills like Council Tax and rent, with more than a fifth using credit to make ends meet (see notes to editors) and cover essential costs. With support measures such as furlough coming to an end, and £20 a week due to be cut from Universal Credit this month, the debt advice sector is expecting demand for its services to rise in the coming months.
The Guide includes information on the solutions available to those seeking advice, including the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS), debt management plans, bankruptcy, the Minimal Asset Process (MAP) and Trust Deeds, among others. It also includes a complete guide to putting together a budget, and an explanation of what to expect when contacting a debt advisor, to help prepare anyone considering taking advice
Sharon Bell, Head of StepChange Scotland, said “At a time of financial uncertainty for many, it’s vital that as many people as possible are aware of the free, impartial services available to help them with their financial issues.”
“The Scotland Debt Guide comes at a time when one in five Scots are using credit to make ends meet, with further difficulties on the horizon with the end of Coronavirus support measures and the £20 cut to Universal Credit. As more Scots find themselves in need of support from a free debt advice charity, the Scotland Debt Guide will provide them with a clear starting point on the road to recovery.”
“Taking the first step to pick up the phone or go online to get help can often be the hardest but suffering in silence can often make things worse. As always, our advice to anyone in financial difficulty would be, get help and get it early.”