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Motion · S6M-12581 · 19 Mar 2024

10th Anniversary of Debt Awareness Week

Lodged by Evelyn Tweed Standard Motion 24 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament notes the 10th anniversary of Debt Awareness Week, which aims to highlight the causes of debt and the help that is available for people experiencing problem debt; acknowledges research by Citizens Advice Scotland, which shows that over 660,000 people in Scotland have seen their mental health and wellbeing affected by debt; understands that research by the Mental Health Foundation recently found that a third of adults in Scotland (34%) had relied on unsecured debt to pay essential living costs in the last 12 months, that around one in eight people (12%) had accumulated debt of more than £3,000, and more than half of those who had taken on this kind of debt (56%) were very or slightly worried about paying it back; believes that the cost of living crisis, with sustained increases in the cost of energy, food and household items, has pushed people who were just about managing into debt; understands that research by the charity StepChange shows that there are five common reasons why people do not seek help for debt worries, even during the ongoing cost of living crisis; further understands that these barriers include a lack of understanding around what debt advice is, anxiety and mental health, impacts on credit file, lack of time, and a sense of shame around loved ones, and understands that there are sources of advice and support available to help people experiencing problem debt, including StepChange and Citizens Advice.

Supporters (24)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.