Citizens Advice Cost of Living Analysis

This latest analysis from Citizens Advice Scotland shows how the cost-of-living crisis is impacting upon the lives of people across Scotland. It covers Quarter 2 of 2023/24 – July, August and September 2023.

The report details the types of people particular at risk as they seek cost of living advice at a higher rate than advice generally, and where advice demand crosses over. CAS found that the majority of demand for utilities advice is from people from the most deprived backgrounds background. They also found that single parent households are twice as likely to seek utilities advice as they are advice generally.

The data suggests that people are turning to commercial credit for essential spending because they already have debt in their essentials. In almost half of cases where someone sought advice for consumer debts, they also needed help with priority debts like utility debt, rent or mortgage arrears. It is clear that people are struggling with the cost of living with utilities a key driver. It should be a matter of significant concern that we are seeing these patterns over the summer months and before a cold winter. As we approach winter, it is essential that those who are most vulnerable get the support they need

The analysis includes a specific report on the requests from “council tenants”.

The full report can be accessed here.