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Scotland in the Red 2024

A look at personal debt statistics in Scotland in 2024.

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Scotland in the Red is our annual publication examining the debt landscape in Scotland through analysis of our client data, tracking changing trends, and exploring different demographic impacts.

We analysed data from all new clients completing a first-time full debt advice session between January and December 2024 to understand the financial challenges faced by Scottish households struggling with problem debt.

2024 was another challenging year for households in Scotland, many of whom were already struggling after several years of acute financial pressures. StepChange Scotland supported more clients last year, who sought help with higher debts and had greater arrears on their household bills.

Our report exposes a growing debt problem in Scotland, through a number of key findings, including:

The average unsecured debt reached the highest level since the global financial crisis

The average total unsecured debt increased again by £654 (4%) to £16,991, on the same average number of debts as in 2023.

This continues the trend of debt levels increasing in each of the last five years which has seen total average client unsecured debt rise by 45% since 2020.

The average unsecured debt increased to £16,991 - the highest since 2010

Clients’ average arrears have skyrocketed

We saw a staggering 65% increase in average arrears which increased by more than £2,000 to £5,193 per client – the average arrears are now well more than double the £2,302 owed in 2020.

68% of all clients are in arrears and the average debt has increased across every priority household bill - including an average £2,431 in energy arrears alone.

Clients saw a 65% increase in their average arrears since 2023 - up to £5,193

Universal Credit claimants have just £6 a month left in their budget after essential bills

35% of all new clients in 2024 were in receipt of Universal Credit and, after completing a budget with a StepChange money adviser, they had an average of just £6 a month after meeting their essential costs.

The average client claiming Universal Credit owes over £10,000 in unsecured debts, and 85% are in arrears on their household bills - to an average of £4,936 per client.

The average client on Universal Credit is left with just £6 a month after bills

Our report calls for meaningful action from all responsible parties, including all spheres of government, to address the growing debt burden impacting households in Scotland.

These include measures to improve household finances, tackle unaffordable housing costs and reform unfair debt collection practices, including targeted debt write off and modernised statutory debt solutions.

Download the report

Want more information?

Email us to discuss our 'Scotland in the Red 2024' report at scotland@stepchange.org