Average energy arrears among people seeking debt advice from StepChange Scotland have surged by 42% year on year, leaping from £2,464 in the first half of 2024 to £3,499 in the first half of 2025.
This sharp increase raises serious concerns about the ability of households to heat their homes this winter while repaying built up debt.
Council tax arrears have also risen steeply across the same time period, now averaging £2,385, a 13% increase on the previous year.
Higher household arrears are coupled with a worrying trend of increased borrowing on consumer credit. The proportion of StepChange Scotland clients citing the need for credit to cover everyday living costs as their…