In 2021/22 the network of 59 Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) and the Extra Help Unit in Glasgow helped over 174,500 clients in Scotland and dealt with almost 640,500 issues.

With support from the network clients gained over £132m and the self-help website Advice in Scotland had over 2.4 million users.

One in every six people who sought advice from a Citizens Advice Bureau saw a financial gain, with the average amount equalling £4, 200.

For every £1 invested in core advice, £12 is unlocked to the community in client gains.

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) is encouraging people to seek advice from the CAB network as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.

People can get advice from their local CAB, online advice pages or through interactive tools like www.moneymap.scot.

Citizens Advice Scotland chief executive, Derek Mitchell, said: “The cost of living crisis is pushing household budgets to breaking point and it is really easy to feel scared or alone when you see the bills pile up and your income drop.

“What we want people to understand is that help is out there for people from the Citizens Advice network. Our advisers deliver real results, with one in six people seeing a financial gain, the average value of which is over £4,200.

“Last year we helped over 174,000 across the Citizens Advice network with over 2.4 million people checking our online advice pages. You can get advice in a way that suits you, whether that is face to face, over the phone or online.

“Were for everyone regardless of background and circumstance, and we don’t judge, we just help, Things are really tough for people right now so if you are struggling with bills seek advice and see what help you could get.”