CAB offers help with debt troubles

A third of Scots worry

Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau is urging people to get in touch to address looming debt problems.

A recent poll by Survation, published in The Herald newspaper, has shown a third of Scots are worried about not being able to afford essential bills including housing costs, food and clothing in the coming year.

Additionally, 28 per cent of those surveyed said they could not afford to pay off more than the minimum from credit card balances.

Argyll and Bute’s Citizens Advice Bureau manager Jen Broadhurst said: ‘Prior to the financial pressures of Covid-19, our specialist debt advice team would support people exhibiting one or more signs of financial distress.

‘This spiked in the early stages of the first lockdown, but as government initiatives came into play, the urgency to deal with debt problems was reduced for many householders.

‘However, with recent changes to the UK Government’s furlough scheme reducing payments, we are starting to see increased numbers of worried people approach us for free, confidential and impartial debt advice.

‘There are more changes to come, with the furlough scheme set to drop to 60 per cent of government support next month and an end to moratorium arrangements for debt.

‘Therefore it is vital people who are worried about meeting their living costs, or about debt they’ve been unable to deal with get in touch with us as soon as possible for support.’

So what support is out there for people who fall into debt?

Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau has a range of specialist debt support available to people across the region worried about the impact their debt might have on their ability to afford essential living expenses.

Its qualified debt advisor Gregg Gillan has a wealth of experience supporting his clients to budget better based on their current circumstances, contact creditors on their behalf and set up affordable repayments towards debts if possible.

This advice is 100 per cent free, impartial and confidential.

It is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is tailored to clients’ own specific circumstances.

Gregg said: ‘Debt is such a small word, but plays such a large part in most people’s day-to-day lives.

‘It is used to ‘get by’ more times than you’d expect and also used to cover unexpected items, like car repairs that someone may be reliant on for getting to and from work, or to support elderly relatives.

‘The five most common reasons for getting into debt are: reduced income/benefits; change to/loss of employment; illness/death; lack of budgeting and separation.’

Gregg added: ‘There are a number of options available to people the general public are not aware of.

‘One of these is debt writeoff. For the first quarter of this year, we have been able to write off close to £84,000 of debt for our clients.

‘These people now sleep a little easier at night because they don’t have creditors sending chase letters and can afford to meet their food and heating costs.’

Anyone wishing to book an appointment with Gregg to discuss any debt concerns, should call Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau on 01546 605550 or email info@ abcab.org.uk

‘These people now sleep a little easier at night because they don’t have creditors sending chase letters’