A "covid debt amnesty" should be declared for families in financial crisis, Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard claimed.
The MSP wants the UK and Scottish governments to step in to ease the burden facing people on furlough or unemployment during the Covid-19 crisis.
Leonard argued arrears on household bills and council tax among low-income Scots should be suspended until the Holyrood election in May.
He wants the UK government to regulate pay day loan companies and waive interest payments.
Leonard said: "Christmas and the new year are always periods that lead to a surge in debt for poorer and hard-pressed families.
"Nine months of Covid hardship will inevitably make this burden so much worse for households.
"A huge personal debt crisis is being caused by Covid as people being furloughed or losing their jobs and others on welfare benefits are unable to pay their rents, mortgages and other essential bills.
"This is made worse by the high level of interest rates being charged and by unscrupulous lenders. This is causing immense stress and hardship for many people struggling to get by.
"It's also holding back a post pandemic economy recovery and could risk another financial crisis as the debt becomes unsustainable."
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: " We are acutely aware of the financial impact the coronavirus crisis has had on many families, and are working hard to provide support for those who need it most over winter. We have provided an unprecedented level of support during the pandemic, backed by an initial £350 million Communities funding package to ensure support for those most in need."
The government increased statutory moratorium protection for debt from six weeks to six months, which is not yet available in the rest of the UK.
Councils have been asked to use their powers to backdate council tax reduction applications by up to six months and not take enforcement action if covid has affected income.
