More people are being pushed into debt because they are living in negative budgets — where income no longer covers essential bills.
This is not reckless spending. It is what happens when people cannot afford the basics and are met with relentless debt collection, escalating fees and threats instead of support.
The Salvation Army sees how one unavoidable shock can trap people in debt, harming health, straining relationships, and leaving people overwhelmed by shame, fear and hopelessness.
How can people get on in life when they can’t get by?
We’re calling for action that protects dignity and stops hardship turning into lifelong debt and despair by:
- An end to rapid and escalating debt collection from local and central government, including the speed of escalation, additional fees, and regulation of enforcement powers.
- In Scotland, introduce a clearer payment break or pause mechanism, with no fees or interest during that period and include welfare debts.
- In England and Wales, include welfare debts in Breathing Space.
- Ensure the welfare system covers the cost of essentials.
Join us in calling for a fairer approach to supporting people facing unmanageable debt and negative budgets — so no one is trapped in poverty.
