Debt help charity urges Scots struggling with money during cost of living crisis to get in touch

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The cost of living crisis is set to continue impacting household budgets across the country into the first half of 2023 as a result of high inflation, soaring energy bills and ever-increasing prices at the supermarket.

As the financial pressure mounts, especially post-Christmas, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Scotland is encouraging those who are unable to pay bills to get in touch for immediate help and advice.

Over the past year we’ve all felt the impact of rising costs on our finances. Food and drink inflation hit a new record level of 16.8 per cent in December and energy bills continued to rise, leaving many families struggling to pay for the essentials.

The debt help charity is deeply concerned that many will see their financial situation get worse - and more unmanageable - as the year goes on.CAP Scotland is encouraging people to seek help with problem debt now and not put off making that call in order to gain professional, impartial and confidential advice.CAP Scotland’s National Director, Emma Jackson, explains why this is so vital: “Over the past year we’ve seen the devastating impact of soaring costs hitting people hard.“In particular, those on the lowest incomes have faced impossible choices as they simply can’t afford essentials - we have seen demand for our emergency aid more than double.“Problem debt is on the rise as budgets are being stretched to breaking point.”She continued: “Too often shame and stigma keep people locked in problem debt, 50 per cent of CAP clients wait for over a year to get debt help.