Alyn Smith MP

Alyn Smith MP: Finance and Debt Resources

This past year has not been easy on any of us. The pandemic has had a substantial impact on personal finances across the whole of Scotland. Growing levels of debt have been widely reported and that is why it is important to know where you can go to seek advice.

Taking the first step towards getting debt help can be daunting and it can be difficult to know where to go for advice. This is what this factsheet intends to address.

Debt can have a serious impact on people’s lives. Unmanageable debt has been shown to be related to financial exclusion, family breakdown and poor physical and mental health. People with debt problems should reach out to advice services as soon as possible. This is because these services can help mitigate the consequences of debt and are able to give advice on how best to deal with your circumstances.

Stirling has a number of options available to people who are worried about their financial situation or who have problems with debts. Here are a few of your options:

Stirling Council

Stirling Council has an independent in-house Advice and Welfare Reform Team providing accredited money, debt and benefits advice under the Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers. The website provides useful links to other services.

Referrals to the Advice Stirling service can be made by emailing moneyadvice@stirling.gov.uk or by calling 01786 233528.

Money Advice Scotland

Money Advice Scotland is Scotland’s money charity. They exist to help people in debt. Their mission is to be the driving force towards financial wellbeing for the people of Scotland. Debt can happen to anyone and through their web chat service, advisers can help answer any initial questions and direct you to free, regulated and impartial debt advice.

To speak to someone confidentially, access their webchat. They also have a range of resources for people going through the debt advice process including debt terms explained, help accessing your income and expenditure report, and benefits calculator. They also have specific advice for those affected by the pandemic.

Step Change

Step change is a UK wide charity that gives free debt advice, and debt solutions online and over the phone across Scotland and the UK. You can access their services through their website or phone 0800 138 1111. They will tell you about all the debt solutions which are available to you and support you to access these solutions.

Christians Against Poverty

A UK wide Christian charity that runs a Forth Valley Debt Centre based in the Family Life Centre at Stirling Baptist Church, but carries out home visits. They run a free, FCA accredited debt service. You can access their services through the website or by phone on 0800 328 0006.

Stirling District Citizens Advice Bureau

The local Stirling branch of Citizens Advice Scotland, this organisation helps local people on a whole range of issues, including on debt and financial matters. Their services can be accessed via their website, by calling 01786 470 239.