Scotland in the Red

That the Parliament acknowledges the report, Scotland in the Red, published by Step Change Debt Charity Scotland; understands that the report looked at personal debt statistics in Scotland during 2021; considers that, given the harsh economic situation throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the ongoing cost of living crisis and inflation at its highest rate in 40 years, citizens’ personal finances are being squeezed, including those in the Glasgow Shettleston constituency; understands that Step Change has seen a rise in the proportion of clients in the private rental sector, with over 60% of all clients now renting their homes; further understands that the proportion of Step Change clients in a vulnerable situation, in addition to their financial difficulty, has increased sharply to a new high of 54%; understands that Step Change clients' average arrears on essential bills has increased by £659 to £2,961; further understands that nearly two-thirds of vulnerable clients were female, that 52% were at risk of losing their home, and 75% were in arrears with electricity bills before the full impact of recent price rises; notes that council tax remains the most prevalent household bill with which clients are struggling, with 44% of vulnerable clients in arrears; thanks Step Change for what it sees as this enlightening report into the struggle faced by many constituents across the country, and commends Step Change for what it considers its ongoing vital work.