New Free Guide Launched in Support of Scots with Problem Debts

A new guide has been launched by the Scottish government and the charity StepChange to provide support to people struggling with problem debt.

The document is called the Scotland Debt Guide and is designed to provide clear information on the help and advice that’s available to indebted people across the country.

Information provided in the guide covers where and how to access free debt advice and what solutions are available to people in Scotland, which includes details on Debt Arrangement Schemes (DAS), debt management plans and Trust Deeds.

StepChange has said that the guide is being launched at a time of “widespread financial distress in Scotland” and a point in time when many thousands of Scots are struggling with debt.

The charity has also highlighted findings from research it commissioned early in 2021 that showed more than a fifth of Scots have found themselves relying on credit to make ends meet during the pandemic.

Another issue raised as a cause for concern is that the UK government currently plans to remove the £20 uplift to Universal Credit payments, which is expected to make matters more difficult in the coming months for a huge number of Scots on low incomes.

It is hoped that the newly created, government-backed Scotland Debt Guide will function as a useful tool for anyone who needs to start managing their money more carefully and may need impartial advice on how best to deal with their debts.

“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,” said Sharon Bell, head of StepChange Scotland.

“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.”

If you live in Scotland and you are struggling to cope with your personal debts then Scotland Debt Solutions can help. Contact us to arrange a FREE and confidential consultation.