The number of people seeking debt advice from local authority-funded advice services increased by 24% across Scotland in 2021/22, according to a new report released by the Improvement Service.
The eighth annual report of the Common Advice Performance Management Reporting Framework (CAPMRF) measures key indicators of performance for money and welfare rights advice services.
These services are funded by Scottish local authorities and delivered both internally and commissioned. The report aims to help councils highlight possibilities for further improvement and demonstrate the support offered to service users and the beneficial outcomes secured.
The latest report shows that in 2021/22:
- The total number of clients returned to pre-pandemic levels, with almost 250,000 money and welfare rights advice clients supported
- Council tax arrears, rent arrears, and utility arrears were among the most common debt types that clients presented with
- Face-to-face contact remained low with only 12% of initial contacts to services made through this channel
The findings demonstrate the continued importance of local authority-funded money and welfare rights advice services. Services have continued to offer wide-ranging support in relation to the ongoing influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ever-increasing financial strain caused by the current cost of living crisis.
The report has been produced by the Improvement Service in conjunction with Scotland’s local authorities.
The full report, along with summaries for each council area, is available on our CAPMRF pages.