Debt advice charity, Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Scotland, is urging people struggling with rent arrears to get help now.
With all areas of Scotland now in Level 2 or below, emergency Covid legislation that prevented evictions has ended.
While the full economic impact of the pandemic remains unknown, those living in poverty have been hit the hardest and for those struggling with rent arrears the fear of losing their home is now another added pressure.
A recent report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) ‘A Just Recovery For Renters’, revealed that many renters are struggling with lower incomes, worried about being evicted and unaware of the help they could access.
In 2020, 10 per cent of CAP clients in Scotland were struggling with rent arrears and 40 per cent in Council Tax arrears. These figures are set to rise as the impact of the pandemic continues and protective measures, such as the furlough scheme, are due to end later this year.
Former CAP client Craig, who worked in construction, lost work due to the pandemic and was struggling with rent arrears when he went to the CAP Kirkintilloch Debt Centre for help.
He said: “Getting help was quite a hard thing to do, but once I met Irene, my Debt Coach, she made me feel good about things.”
CAP Scotland’s National Director, Emma Jackson, said: “Like Craig, many of our clients find it hard to reach out for help or simply don’t know where they can turn. With the eviction ban now lifted across Scotland and growing rent arrears being a reality for many families, we are concerned that many more people may be at risk of losing their home.”
After receiving help from CAP, Craig is now debt free, he was able to stay in his home and move on with his life.
Debt help charities like CAP are working tirelessly to free people from problem debt, including rent arrears.
CAP has a network of 24 Debt Centres which cover places including Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen and Edinburgh. They have helped hundreds of clients across Scotland to become debt free despite the pandemic.
Providing free, Financial Conduct Authority accredited advice in the community to bring hope where it is needed most.
If you are struggling with rent arrears and worried about being evicted and losing your home, help is available.
Find out more non-profit organisations including:
- Christians Against Poverty
- Citizens Advice Scotland
- Advice Direct Scotland
- StepChange
- National Debtline
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