Debt Worries

There has been a dramatic upsurge in debt worries among people in the Kirkcaldy area, according to new figures released by StepChange Debt Charity.

In the first six months of this year, 285 residents in the Kirkcaldy postcode area sought debt advice from the charity's helpline compared to 203 in the same period last year, an increase of 40%. 

The figures point to a further strain on household budgets, with those contacting the charity from the Kirkcaldy area an average of £4 per month worse off than the same time last year. After accounting for basic living costs like housing payments, energy bills and council tax, the average person in Kirkcaldy seeking the charity’s help had just £17 left at the end of each month.
 
In the first six months of this year, people from Kirkcaldy who contacted the charity owed an average of £11,081 in unsecured debt including credit cards, personal loans and overdrafts.
 
The release of the findings comes as part of the charity's Need to Sleep campaign, which aims to encourage people to recognise the impact long-term sleeplessness has on their well-being and address the root cause by seeking help with their money problems. A YouGov survey, conducted on behalf of the charity, found that nearly 690,000 people in Scotland are being kept awake by money worries.
 
Mike O'Connor, chief executive of StepChange Debt Charity, said: 

"Many people are plagued with severe financial worries that can have a huge impact on their health, relationships and even their ability to simply get a good night's sleep.
 
"All too often, people face their debt burden alone, which can worsen the pressure and anxiety they are feeling. We would encourage anyone who is struggling with debt to take that first crucial step and seek free, confidential advice from StepChange Debt Charity."