Debt putting pressure on family relationships

Scottish families are under increased pressure of financial and relationship breakdown as average debt rises, according to a new report released today by Christians Against Poverty (CAP).

The charity’ s Changing Perceptions report reveals that the average debt of clients in Scotland has risen in the past year by nearly £1,000 to £14,736.

Low income continues to be the most common reason for personal debt despite around half being from working households. The average household annual income is just £12,361, while a third of those being helped are living on less than £10,000. Emma Jackson, national director of CAP Scotland, said: “Some of the families we’re helping are in really heart-breaking situations, where crushing debt problems have made relationships very difficult.”