More Scottish GP Practices to Offer Debt Help and Advice

People living in rural and island communities in Scotland are set to be offered greater access to advice and support in dealing with their debts and their personal finance issues more broadly.

The Scottish government has committed £300,000 in support of services geared towards aiding anyone struggling with debt or with concerns associated with their housing situation, their employment status or their state benefits.

Plans are in place for the money to go towards staffing GP practices with in-house welfare rights officers, to whom doctors can refer patients as and when they see fit.

Around 150 GP facilities are already working with welfare rights officers in some of the most deprived urban areas of Scotland, with the government’s newly earmarked funding intended to enable the same initiative to be rolled out into more rural and island communities.

Ministers within the Scottish government have explained that the bolstering of personal finance and debt advice services is partly a response to the ongoing cost of living crisis which is piling pressure on to budgets of individuals and households across the country.

“The cost of living crisis is on everyone’s mind right now and we know the impact that can have on people’s mental and physical health, particularly those who are struggling the most to make ends meet,” said first minister Nicola Sturgeon.

“Dedicated money and welfare advice in the same location where people are already receiving mental and physical health support is about providing people with more convenient access to the help they need, whilst also reaching those who do not engage with traditional advice services.

“This funding will ensure people in rural and island communities have access to the same advice and support, given the particular challenges they also face from the rising cost of living, including fuel and food inflation.”

If you live anywhere in Scotland and you are worried about your personal debt situation and you need advice on the options available then Scotland Debt Solutions can help. Contact us any time to arrange a FREE and completely confidential consultation.