MSP Makes the Case for Seeking Help with Debt Problems

A member of the Scottish parliament has made the case for seeking help from experts if you are struggling to cope with personal debt problems.

Karen Adam, MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast, has said that anyone with problem debts should not suffer in silence and should instead reach out for support.

“The sooner you take that first step of getting free and impartial help, the more options you may have and the sooner you will be able to get relief from all the stress and worry that debt can cause,” Ms Adam has said.

The MSP’s comments were given to Grampian Online after she met with representatives of the debt help charity StepChange, whose teams in Scotland have seen a rise in demand for their services over the course of the pandemic.

The charity has noted that most people who reached out for its support with debt issues recently were in work but were nonetheless struggling to pay their bills and keep up with their debt repayments.

Council tax arrears were cited as a particularly common source of financial pressure for people in Banffshire and Buchan Coast who got in touch with StepChange for help recently.

StepChange has said it expects to see an increase in the number of people struggling with debt across the country if the UK government goes ahead with its plan to remove the £20 Universal Credit uplift.

However, the charity has said that the pandemic has heightened financial and debt-related problems not just for people on low incomes but for higher earners as well.

“It has been a hugely challenging time and we know that money worries have a big impact on mental health,” said Sharon Bell, head of StepChange in Scotland.

“Keeping a roof over your head and heating your home are basic needs, yet for too many families these are constant worries.

“That is why we urge people to reach out for help, to restore some peace of mind and give you more control of your finances.”

If you live anywhere in Scotland and are finding it tough to cope with your problem debts then Scotland Debt Solutions can help. Contact us to arrange a FREE and completely confidential consultation.