New campaign launched by Advice Direct Scotland urges Scots struggling financially not to suffer alone
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JANUARY can be an especially difficult time for many Scots with money troubles, as Christmas spending adds further burden to those already struggling with their bills.
A new campaign launched last week by Advice Direct Scotland urges Scots to seek debt advice and not to suffer alone.
The campaign comes amid growing concerns about the cost of living, with inflation rising and energy prices set to increase.
Andrew Bartlett, chief executive of Advice Direct Scotland, said: “This is a timely campaign to help Scots struggling with the burden of debt.
"We know that January is a particularly difficult time for many, and there are widespread concerns about a cost-of-living crisis this year – especially with energy bills set to soar."
Juliet Taylor, Moray Council's money advice team leader confirmed that the Money Advice Service is usually busier after the Christmas period, as people start receiving credit and store card bills at the end of January.
She also commented that job insecurity caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the financial issues people face and with the added strain of rising daily living costs and the removal of the Universal Credit additional payment, many people are finding it increasingly difficult to repay debts.
Mrs Taylor said: "As part of the Money Advice appointment the advisers will draw up a full income and expenditure with the client to find out what, if any, surplus monies they have that could be used towards the debts.
"However, the advisers are finding that more and more clients do not have the surplus monies to be able to make an offer of payment to their debts or that clients are concerned about job security and so very wary about committing to a long term repayment plan."
In the last two years, the Money Advice team at Moray Council have assisted with over £1 million unsecured personal loan debt and often provided help for those struggling with credit card debt and Council Tax arrears.
Mrs Taylor advised that those in financial difficulty should work out a budget and analyse their current spending, as this will allow them to seen any areas that could be stopped, changed or cut back.
She added: "Check to make sure you are getting all the benefits you’re entitled to – Our Income Maximisation Team are able to complete a full benefit check for you.
"If you have debts that you are struggling to pay, or feel concerned that might happen soon, maybe struggling with an overdraft, credit card, rent, mortgage payments - make an appointment with our Money Advice Service so they can chat through your options with you and make you aware of what help there is available."
Moray Council's Money Advice Service can be contacted over the phone: 0300 1234563 or by email: money.advice@moray.gov.uk.
Advice Direct Scotland has a free debt advice service online at moneyadvice.scot, or on the phone on 0808 800 9060.
