New Censuswide polling commissioned by StepChange Scotland reveals 57% of adults in Scotland have lived experience of problem debt, with almost two in five (38%) saying they did not share their struggles with anyone.

Nearly nine in ten (88%) of those affected said problem debt caused them significant stress. More than half (56%) said their debt problems were caused by circumstances outside their control.

These experiences are increasingly reflected in the demand for debt advice services across Scotland.

StepChange Scotland has seen its client volumes increase by 32% in the first quarter of 2026, compared with the same time period in 2025.

The charity has also seen a rise in people needing debt advice who are in full time employment – indicating that work is increasingly not protecting people against financial difficulties. Just over two in five (43%) StepChange Scotland clients were in full time work in the first quarter of 2026, up five percentage points year on year.

StepChange is urging the new Scottish Parliament to seize this moment to take decisive action to support people facing financial hardship. The charity is calling for measures to tackle the rising cost of essential bills and utilities, alongside steps to help households build financial resilience so they are better equipped to cope with financial shocks.

Sharon Bell, head of StepChange Scotland, said: “With a new Parliament in Scotland, and concerns around the cost of living intensifying, now is a vital time for Government to take action on financial pressures facing households. We’ve long called for reform of the outdated council tax collection system, which lacks the empathy needed for residents facing difficult circumstances, causing undue hardship.

“We’d also like to see action from policymakers on unaffordable energy debt and ongoing bills, which looks to become even more unsustainable as the price cap is expected to increase this summer. Building financial resilience to protect households from debt must be at the heart of Holyrood’s ambitions.”