Debt is a growing problem in Scotland, and Citizens Advice Bureaux countrywide handled 50,000 new enquiries last year - 13% of their total. The amount of debt investigated by the Bureaux came to £70 million, up from £60 million in the previous year.

Within East Lothian, over a two-year period Haddington CAB dealt with £2,352,861 of multiple debt from 1,162 clients. The most common debts were Council tax/Rent arrears, personal loans, bank overdrafts, mortgage arrears and credit card debts. The figures for Musselburgh CAB are comparable.

East Lothian Council takes this issue very seriously and has formulated a strategy to help raise awareness of money issues and bring down debts. The strategy can be found here.. Amongst other recommendations, it proposes expanding the number of money advisors and training housing staff in debt issues.

For debts which have come brought about through benefits problems, the Welfare Rights team can help and ensure you get your due entitlement. Housing Benefit one area of particular difficulty. Contacts for the team can be found here

If you find yourself in debt, it is best to seek help as soon as possible, even whilst heading into further trouble, before the pressure has really built up.