StepChange Scotland clients' debt the highest in a decade
25 February 2026
New figures published today by StepChange Debt Charity Scotland reveal average debt among people seeking help from the charity has reached over £20,000, a 10% rise year-on-year, and the highest level recorded in over a decade.
This year is 30 years since StepChange Scotland opened its doors in 1996, marking three decades of providing free, expert debt advice to hundreds of thousands of Scots.
The charity warns that its milestone year comes amid escalating financial pressures and rising debt among those seeking help. Its flagship annual report, Scotland in the Red, reveals that in 2025:
- Unsecured debts and arrears grew by 10% year on year, to an average of £20,116 per client.
- Two in three clients were in arrears on their household bills owing an average £5,470 each – this has increased by 85% since 2021.
- Almost two in five (38%) clients were in energy arrears, at an average of £2,600 per client – substantially more than an average year’s usage.
- The proportion of clients with credit card debt has risen by three percentage points to 68%, while average credit card debt per client has risen 11% year on year to £8,564.
In the past couple of years, StepChange Scotland has seen a worrying trend of employment no longer serving as a buffer against financial hardship – which only grew in 2025. Three in five Scottish clients were in work, including more than two in five working full time, yet:
- Over half (52%) full time workers were already behind on essential bills.
- Those in arrears owed an average of £5,437.
After several years of rising living costs, there has been a shift in debts among StepChange Scotland clients. People tend to have much higher arrears on household bills than ever before, whilst consumer credit debt has simultaneously increased.
As Holyrood elections approach in May, StepChange Scotland is calling for a commitment from all of Scotland’s political parties to address the harm caused by problem debt.
This should include measures to tackle unaffordable utility bills, reforms around the way council tax debt is collected and meaningful investment in the free debt advice sector to build capacity and sustainability.
Vikki Brownridge, CEO of StepChange Scotland, said:
"Since StepChange Scotland opened its doors 30 years ago, we’ve supported thousands of people through financial crises, yet this anniversary comes at a time when the need for free, impartial debt advice is more pressing than ever.
"Our clients face increasingly complex debt problems and people are struggling to get back on their feet after several difficult years. Ahead of May’s elections, it’s vital that every political party addresses the main issues driving debt problems in Scotland.
"Key priorities must be tackling some of the most unmanageable debts such as energy arrears and reforming council tax collections, which cause unnecessary hardship for low-income households. In the longer term, the next Government in Holyrood must focus on rebuilding household financial resilience, whilst ensuring that free debt advice is adequately funded to support those in need."
Free, confidential debt advice is available 24/7 using StepChange’s online debt advice service at www.stepchange.org
Notes to Editors
- Scotland in the Red is available here