'Half a million Scots have no money left after paying for essentials'

One in ten people in Scotland have no money left after covering essential monthly expenses, according to new analysis.

Around 452,958 people in Scotland are estimated to be left without cash after paying their taxes, housing, utilities and food costs.

Of the country’s population, over a million are also believed to have less than £125 left over.

It comes as monthly household bills are expected to rise by around £169 from next month, with the energy price cap increasing from October 1.

The analysis was carried out by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) of polling by YouGov.

The organisation has warned of a “financial cliff edge” for households this autumn as the cost of living crisis worsens.

A new campaign, Our Advice Adds Up is being launched by CAS to encourage people to seek advice if they are struggling.

People are also reminded that they can get help from their local Citizens Advice Bureaux, on through online resources such as CAS’s money map or by checking council tax.

CAS chief executive Derek Mitchell warned that people cannot afford another big increase in bills and prices.

“People are facing a devastating financial cliff edge this autumn, as energy bills soar and inflation shows no signs of slowing down,” he said.

“It’s important to understand what this actually means for people.

“Half a million people have nothing left after covering essential bills – they literally cannot afford another big increase in bills and prices.

“Over a million people have less than £125 left over – and next month average monthly bills are going up by £169.

“That’s why we are this week launching Our Advice Adds Up to encourage people to seek advice if they are struggling with the cost of living.”

Mitchell explained that CAS advice is “free, confidential and impartial”.

“Our advisers deliver real results – one in five people who seek advice see some sort of financial gain, and the average value of that gain is over £4,400,” he continued.

“That can be life-changing money for people, our advice is free, confidential and impartial, were for everyone, regardless of background and circumstance so our message to people is to seek advice – it can really add up.”

The Our Advice adds Up campaign is launched onMonday, September 5.