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Scotland in the Red report 2021

Our client statistics show what life is like for Scots experiencing problem debt.

Download the report

Scotland in the Red report 2021

Scotland in the Red is our annual publication that explains our key client statistics and looks at what life is like for Scots experiencing problem debt.

We analyse data from every Scottish Constituency and Local Authority to get a picture of how things were for our clients throughout 2021.

 

Number one

Client average arrears on essential bills have increased by £659 to £2,961

Clients are struggling with their essential bills, with average amount of arrears increasing by over 28% since 2020, with cost of living increases in 2022 set to compound these difficulties

Graphic showing client average arrears on essential bills have increased by £659 to £2,961
Number 2

54% of clients in Scotland in 2021 had an additional vulnerability

A ‘vulnerable situation’ includes physical health conditions, mental health conditions, learning disabilities, sight or hearing difficulties and other situations which can make dealing with finances particularly difficult. This growing proportion represents a real challenge to advice providers and to clients as addressing problem debt becomes more complex.

54% of clients in Scotland had an additional vulnerability
Number 3

75% of vulnerable clients in Scotland were in arrears on their electricity in 2021

In 2021 over three quarters of vulnerable clients in arrears with their dual fuel and electricity bills. Before the impact of recent price rises.

75% of vulnerable clients in Scotland were in arrears on their electricity in 2021

Our report makes recommendations to support households in problem debt and make it easier to address the difficulties for clients identified by Scotland in the Red.

Download the report


Want more information?

Email us to discuss our 2020 personal debt statistics and other debt research across the UK.

policy@stepchange.org