A debt charity reveals that more Scots are facing challenges with mortgage and council tax payments, highlighting the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Edinburgh: More and more Scots are finding it tough to keep up with their mortgage and council tax payments. A debt charity, StepChange, has raised the alarm about this issue.
They’ve noticed a big jump in people falling behind on payments recently. In just three months, the number of clients struggling with mortgages has gone up significantly.
Last year, 14% of their clients had trouble making mortgage payments. Now, that number has risen to 21%. And it’s not just mortgages; 36% of people are behind on their council tax bills, which is also up from before.
January is usually a tough month for many. After the holiday spending, people often feel the pinch. Plus, high energy costs are still a big burden for many households.
Even though energy prices have dropped from their peak, bills are still higher than they were before the crisis hit. Many folks are still dealing with energy debt, making it even harder to manage their finances.
Sharon Bell from StepChange said the New Year can be especially hard for those with debt. Christmas expenses can really strain budgets, and January often brings its own set of costs.
She pointed out that more people are reaching out for help this January. With rising energy prices and ongoing high costs for rent and council tax, it’s crucial for governments to support those in need.
If you’re worried about debt, don’t hesitate to ask for help. StepChange offers free advice online and over the phone. You don’t have to face this alone.
A recent YouGov poll showed that one in four people in the UK were anxious about affording Christmas. That’s about 14.5 million people feeling the financial strain, which is up from last year.
Interestingly, over half of those seeking help from StepChange are already employed, and many have kids at home. It’s a tough situation for families.
Paul McLennan, the SNP Housing Minister, emphasized the importance of access to advice services. He criticized the UK Government for not taking action to ease the burden of mortgages and energy bills.
The Scottish Government is stepping up, with plans to allocate over £12.8 million for free advice services in their upcoming budget. They know that getting help early can prevent bigger problems down the line.
