Household bill arrears among StepChange Scotland clients have surged to an average of £5,193, according to the charity’s newly published 2024 Scotland in the Red report, marking a staggering 65% increase from £3,147 in 2023.
Nearly seven in ten (68%) of those seeking help from StepChange Scotland are now behind on essential household bills. The report comes as Scottish households face widespread cost increases this month, dubbed ‘Awful April’, intensifying financial pressure across the country.
In one year alone the charity has seen:
- Average energy arrears increase by 20%, from £2,037 in 2023 to £2,431 in 2024.
- Average council tax arrears increase by 24% to £2,538…
