Vulnerable Scots families have public debt wiped out under radical anti-poverty pilot

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A groundbreaking project which wipes out the debts of vulnerable families has been hailed for its impact on reducing poverty.Children’s charity Aberlour took the lead in setting up a “financial wellbeing” pilot based in Tayside.The three-year programme saw Aberlour work closely with families grappling with poverty, homelessness and mental health issues.Central to the initiative was a hardship fund providing debt relief by paying off arrears in council tax, school meals and rent.The fund spent £69,193 supporting 25 families, which consisted of 32 adults and 56 children.Average debt relief came to £2,768 per family and an evaluation for Aberlour has given the project the thumbs up.The report stated: “The debt relief and other support also had an effect on the family and their children.

The reduced stress levels of their parents rubbed off on their children.“Aberlour family services staff commented on the improved family life of their clients.

They noticed that their clients spent more time with their family and had more social contacts.”It added: “A major impact of the support provided by the Tayside Poverty project was a boost in confidence as reported by all supported families.“Confidence was gained from knowing their debt was cleared, and from knowing that help was available when needed.

Most also felt that they were more confident to speak up for themselves if required.”One family member who received support said of the impact: "We had a Christmas!