Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber, and Badenoch recently (10/03/16) joined StepChange Debt Charity at their Scotland in the Red publication release and charity event.

Scotland in the Red is an annual publication released by StepChange Debt Charity and reports on the problem of personal debt in Scotland based on their analysis of the many thousands of clients they offer their services to.

Mr Thompson said, “The current private debt crisis in Scotland is affecting the majority of our people’s daily lives, not only financially but emotionally, mentally, and socially. StepChange has found that a significant private debt increases anxiety, decreases concentration, and puts a strain on personal relationships and children’s education within families.

“In the Highlands and Islands the average household increased its priority spending, which includes rent, utility bills, and council tax, from 40.7% in 2014 to 46.1% in 2015, while its average monthly income was reduced by £140. StepChange has found this increase in living expenses with stagnant or decreasing wages is one of the biggest factors of personal debt.

“StepChange has helped over half a million people throughout Scotland in a way that best assists its clients, through the use of affordable repayment plans while stopping interest charges. I applaud their efforts to help the people of Scotland work to reduce their private debt and improve their lives”.