Check If You Qualify

Calls for Scottish Government to Pause Public Sector Debt Recovery

Sharon McDougall - 22nd February 2023 - 2 minutes to read

A group of charities and campaign organisations are calling for the Scottish government to pause its debt recovery efforts to help thousands of families cope better with the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP), the Robertson Trust and the Aberlour children’s charity are among those who want to see council tax and rent arrears, as well as Universal Credit debts, paused to give hard up families some much needed financial breathing space.

A letter outlining the case for pausing public sector debt collections was sent to the Scottish government in advance of debates in the Scottish parliament around forward-looking spending priorities.

Debts linked to council tax arrears and Universal Credit are well established as major parts of the financial picture for many thousands of indebted Scots, with benefit payments very often being reduced because their intended recipients owe money to the DWP.

From the perspective of the organisations making the case for a pause to public debt collections, those kind of arrears are a key reason why so many Scots are currently under so much financial pressure and struggling to make ends meet.

Research released by Aberlour recently showed that most families with children in Scotland who receive Universal Credit have the amounts of money they get from the DWP reduced by 10 per cent or more due to the public debts they owe.

“Low income families are falling deeper into debt as they try to make ends meet,” explained SallyAnn Kelly, Aberlour’s chief executive.

“Many are relying on charities and foodbanks just to cover the basic things they need for their children.

“That’s why we are calling for a pause to public debt recovery for families on the lowest incomes to give them breathing space during the cost of living crisis.”

The CAP’s national director for Scotland Emma Jackson added: “We know problem debt can have a devastating impact on every aspect of people's lives.

“A pause in public debt recovery would offer an essential lifeline to those who need it most.”

If you live anywhere in Scotland and you are worried about your debt situation then Scotland Debt Solutions can help. Contact us directly to arrange a FREE and confidential consultation.

facebook colour icon linkedin colour icon messenger colour icon whatsapp colour icon email colour icon
Sharon McDougall Square

Sharon McDougall

Manager

Other News

Debt Levels Soaring across Scotland, New Figures Show Debt Level Rising

Debt Levels Soaring across Scotland, New Figures Show

Levels of unsecured debt in Scotland increased dramatically during 2022 as the cost of living crisis took its toll on household finances.

Nearly Half a Million Scots Facing ‘Profound Financial Hardship’ Financial Hardship

Nearly Half a Million Scots Facing ‘Profound Financial Hardship’

Close to half a million Scots are in a position of profound financial hardship, according to a new set of figures.

Scots with Disabilities Urged to Check Eligibility for New Benefits Scottish Man In Wheelchair

Scots with Disabilities Urged to Check Eligibility for New Benefits

Disabled people in Scotland are being urged by the government to check whether they might be eligible for benefits that could help make their life a little easier.

About

Why Choose Us

Usp Location

5 Offices in Scotland

National Coverage

Usp House

Ask us About

Home Visits

Usp Hand Heart

Helping Scots Get

Out of Debt Since 1989

Usp Handshake

We offer an

Instant Initial Consultation

Usp Palm Wallet

We'll Help You

Lower Monthly Payments

Usp Hand Heart

HELPING SCOTS GET

Out of Debt Since 1989

We'll give you a call

Our Scottish based team can help advise you on your debt problems.

Here at Scotland Debt Solutions we take your privacy seriously and will only use your personal information to contact you with regards to your enquiry. We will not use your information for marketing purposes. See our Privacy Policy.

Tools

Useful tools

Personalised Debt Report
Usp Planner

Personalised Debt Report

Our personalised debt report will help you better understand your financial position and see where your money is going.

Debt Report
Instant Scheduled Call & WhatsApp
Headset

Instant Scheduled Call & WhatsApp

Arrange a call with an expert advisor at a time to suit you or contact our team via WhatsApp for immediate help and advice.

Arrange Callback
Find a Local Office
Usp Signpost

Find a Local Office

We have five offices located across Scotland. Find your nearest one here.

Find an Office

Our Insolvency Practitioners are regulated by ICAS or the IPA and our firm is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Fees and Information: There are fees associated with our services. These will be fully explained before entering into any of the personal debt solutions referred to on this website. Full details of our fees and how these are charged are fully explained to you prior to you committing to any particular service.

ICAS Insolvency Practitioners