Sutherland residents urged to get help with bills and debt as survey reveals 600,000 Scots are struggling
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Sutherland residents struggling with their household bills have been urged to get help as a new survey reveals 600,000 Scottish people are feeling a “heavy burden”.
Research by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) shows 14 per cent of Scottish adults are finding it difficult to keep up with their domestic bills or loan payments.
The Financial Lives survey also found that around 400,000 people had missed a bill or a loan payment in at least three of the six months to May this year – around eight per cent of adults.
Advice Direct Scotland (ADS), which runs the national debt advice service moneyadvice.scot, said people who find themselves in financial difficulty should not struggle alone.
moneyadvice.scot, which is regulated by the FCA, provides free information and support on a wide range of debt-related issues.
Specialist debt and money advisers can work with people to assess their current situation, look at their income and outgoings, and consider what to do next. They can be contacted on 0808 196 2316 between 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
Colin Mathieson, spokesperson for ADS, said: “This new survey from the Financial Conduct Authority shows the impact that the cost-of-living crisis is having on people’s finances and the pressure they are under. With so many Scots finding it difficult to keep on top of their bills, it is important that people realise they do not have to struggle alone.
“By reaching out for advice and support, or simply having a conversation about our situation, we can put ourselves back on track and take away some of the worry.”
The service saw an 80 per cent rise in cases in the three months to September when compared to the previous quarter.
Analysts have warned that the average annual energy bills could rise to over £4000 when the UK Government’s Energy Price Guarantee ends in April.
This week it also emerged that inflation increased to 10.1 per cent in the 12 months to September, the fastest rate in 40 years.
ADS also runs energyadvice.scot for help with energy bills, and its advice.scot knowledge centre includes an online calculator that people can use to ensure they are claiming all the benefits they are entitled to.
The charity can also help with and make referrals to sources of support for those who need help with energy costs, such as the Scottish Government’s Home Heating Support Fund.
The fund seeks to provide financial relief to energy consumers who are experiencing significant financial hardship or are rationing energy to get by.
Individual households can now also apply through www.homeheatingadvice.scot, by choosing the ‘Household Application’ route, provided they have received money and/or energy advice from an accredited advice agency.
Advice Direct Scotland can make referrals on to the fund on a customer’s behalf.
