More people will benefit from free debt advice following investment from the SNP Government.
New funding of £2.4 million will be distributed among advice organisations to expand their services and invest in more effective methods to help individuals with problem debt.
The investment will assist projects offering face to face advice using video calls and projects aimed at moving debt solution processes online. This investment will also help the debt advice sector to manage the expected increase in demand as a result of the economic impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Minister for Communities Aileen Campbell MSP said:
“I am pleased that this funding will enable more people to access free debt advice, especially as we expect to see increased demand on these services due to the long-term effects of COVID-19.
“Our Debt Advice Routemap sets out our vision for a user-friendly and collaborative free debt advice system in Scotland. Through this additional investment we aim to focus on those hardest to reach, including those who maybe have never sought advice before.
“Debt advice services are looking at innovative new approaches, using technology and new ways of working. I would encourage anyone who finds themselves struggling with problem debt to seek help at the earliest opportunity.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“I warmly welcome this SNP Government funding, which will make a huge difference to the services offered to people in Cunninghame North and across Scotland who are struggling with money worries.
“This investment will support them in their vital work tackling child poverty, supporting households on low incomes and helping those people most exposed to the impact of COVID-19.”
The funding is part of the Financial Services Levy for debt advice which has been increased in response to the expected growth in demand for free debt advice due to the long-term effects of COVID-19.
The Debt Advice Routemap was launched to help improve access to services across Scotland.
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