DEBT AND LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS IN SCOTLAND

That this House notes the publication of Drowning in Debt: Scottish CAB Clients and Debt, by Citizens Advice Scotland; is concerned that the average debt levels for Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) debt clients seeking advice from their local CAB is £20,193, a 50 per cent. rise since 2003; further notes that the report highlights the bleak reality for low income households in debt, including the finding that debt has had a negative impact on health for nine out of 10 debt clients; is further concerned at the increasingly ruthless behaviour adopted by creditors in seeking debt repayment, which at times has been unlawful; applauds Citizens Advice Bureaux in Scotland for the free, confidential and impartial frontline advice they have provided to the people of Scotland for the last 70 years; recognises their successes in pressing for improvements in public policy; and urges the Government to assist indebted households like those mentioned in the report by pursuing the report's recommendations to curb unreasonable creditor behaviour, increase access to affordable credit and ensure that advice services are appropriately resourced.