Buy Now, Pay Later can make an important purchase more manageable. But when several repayments start to add up, it can also become difficult to keep on top of your finances. Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) has become a familiar option to us when shopping online. Rather than paying the full price immediately, customers can spread the cost over a number of instalments, often without paying interest if payments are made on time. For someone who knows they can comfortably afford the repayments, it can be a useful way of managing the cost of a purchase. But for others, particularly when several agreements are taken out at the same time, BNPL can easily contribute to financial difficulties - and there's now growing evidence of just how significant that problem can be. A six-fold increase in BNPL debt Figures released by Money Advice Trust , the charity behind National Debtline , have highlighted a dramatic increase in the number of people seeking help with Buy Now, Pay Later debt. National Debtline says the proportion of people seeking its support who have BNPL debt has increased six-fold, from 3% in 2021 to 18% in 2026. The average BNPL debt among these clients is now £1,029. The figures were released as new regulations came into force on 15 July 2026, bringing most BNPL provided by third-party lenders under the regulation of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for the first time. Money Advice Trust says the rise in people struggling with BNPL debt demonstrates why the new protections are needed. What has changed? Before 15th July 2026, qualifying BNPL agreements were generally outside FCA regulation. Providers did not have to follow the same regulatory requirements that apply to most other forms of consumer credit. That has now changed. Under the new rules, qualifying BNPL lenders must: Carry out proportionate affordability checks before providing credit. Give customers clearer information about what they are borrowing. Explain when repayments are due and how much they will be. Explain what happens if a payment is missed. Provide appropriate support if someone is struggling with repayments - including directing them towards free debt advice providers (such as CHAP) where appropriate. Give customers access to the Financial Ombudsman Service if they have a complaint that cannot be resolved with the lender. These are important changes and mean that people using qualifying BNPL products now have protections that were not previously available. Is BNPL a bad thing? We're not suggesting that everyone who uses Buy Now, Pay Later is making an irresponsible financial decision. Sometimes, life simply doesn't wait. An example could be that a person's washing machine breaks unexpectedly. They may have children, a limited income and no savings readily available to replace it. Waiting several weeks to save up the full amount may simply not be practical. If a BNPL arrangement allows the person to spread the cost and they can comfortably afford the repayments, it can provide a way to deal with an unexpected expense without having to find the whole amount immediately. The same could apply to other essential household items or unexpected costs. Using BNPL doesn't automatically mean they're getting into debt trouble. The important question is whether the repayments are affordable alongside everything else they need to pay. There's no shame in needing to borrow money when an unexpected expense comes along. What matters is understanding what they're committing to and recognising when those commitments are becoming difficult to manage. BNPL is still borrowing Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that Buy Now, Pay Later is still credit. The fact that a purchase is split into four payments doesn't change the amount you ultimately have to pay. And because the individual payments can look relatively small, it can be surprisingly easy to lose sight of the total amount being borrowed. For example: £25 here. £30 there. £40 next month. Each payment might seem manageable on its own, but if several purchases are being repaid at the same time, you could suddenly have £100 or more coming out of your bank account each month - alongside your rent or mortgage, energy bills, Council Tax, food, travel and everything else your household needs to pay for. The issue isn't necessarily using BNPL - it's taking on repayments that you can no longer comfortably afford. When small payments become a big problem The latest figures from National Debtline provide an important reminder that financial difficulty isn't necessarily about someone making one large purchase they can't afford. Money Advice Trust says that people struggling with BNPL debt supported by National Debtline often face wider challenges too. Almost two-thirds (63%) have disclosed an additional vulnerability, while younger consumers are disproportionately represented among those seeking help. National Debtline has also reported seeing people using BNPL for everyday essentials, including food, energy bills and household basics. This can be an important warning sign . If you are regularly using credit because you don't have enough money to cover essential household costs, taking on more borrowing could make an already difficult situation harder to manage. Before clicking on the "Buy Now, Pay Later" option, it's worth asking yourself a few simple questions: Can I comfortably afford every repayment? Think about the entire repayment period, not just the first instalment. Do I already have other BNPL agreements? Check your bank account and existing commitments. Several small agreements can quickly add up. Will the repayments still be affordable after I've paid my essential household costs? Consider rent or mortgage payments, energy bills, Council Tax, food, travel and other regular expenses. Am I using BNPL for essentials? There is nothing inherently wrong with borrowing to deal with an unexpected essential expense. However, if you are regularly relying on credit to pay for food, energy or other household necessities, it could be a sign that you need some help with your overall finances. What would happen if my circumstances changed? An unexpected bill, reduction in hours at work or a change in income could make previously manageable repayments much more difficult. Regulation is good news - but BNPL still carries financial risk The introduction of FCA regulation is an important step forward for consumers. It means qualifying BNPL lenders must take greater responsibility for making sure borrowing is affordable, provide clearer information and offer support when customers experience financial difficulty - but regulation doesn't make BNPL risk-free. As the Government has also pointed out, BNPL can be a useful way to manage spending, but it is still a form of borrowing and should always be carefully considered. The safest approach is to think of BNPL in much the same way you would think about any other form of credit. It's not free money. It's a commitment to repay. How CHAP can help CHAP provides free, confidential and independent Money Advice to people across Ayrshire experiencing debt and financial difficulties. Our service is fully accredited, and CHAP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Our experienced Money Advisers can look at your circumstances as a whole, help you understand your options and support you in dealing with your debts. There is no need to feel embarrassed or wait until you've reached crisis point. Sometimes, the hardest part is simply admitting that things are becoming difficult. Getting the right advice early can make a real difference . If you're struggling with BNPL, debt or household bills, get in touch with CHAP to find out how we can help. Call us on Freephone 030 0002 0002 to arrange an appointment .

Losing someone close to you is one of life's most difficult experiences. At a time when you're grieving, it can be hard to know what needs to be done and where to turn for help. While everyone's circumstances are different, there are some common practical steps that most families will need to take. This guide explains the basics and highlights some of the support available in Scotland. Registering the death In Scotland, most deaths must be registered within eight days. Usually, the hospital, GP or funeral director will explain what you need to do and provide the paperwork required. Once the death has been registered, you'll receive the documents needed to arrange a funeral and begin dealing with the person's affairs. Arranging the funeral Many people choose to use a funeral director, although this isn't a legal requirement. If you're arranging a funeral, it's worth checking whether the person who has died had: a prepaid funeral plan life insurance savings set aside for funeral costs wishes recorded in a will Funeral costs can be significant, so it's worthwhile comparing different companies. Don't feel embarrassed about asking for written estimates or discussing costs beforehand - including any additional extras. Help with funeral costs If you're on a low income or receive certain benefits, such as Universal Credit, you may be able to apply for Funeral Support Payment through Social Security Scotland. This is a contribution towards funeral expenses and can help with burial or cremation costs, travel and some other associated expenses, although it won't usually cover the full cost of a funeral. Eligibility depends on your circumstances. More information: https://www.socialsecurity.gov.scot/funeral-support-payment Using the Tell Us Once service One of the most helpful services available is Tell Us Once . With your permission, this free service notifies several government departments and local authority services at the same time, rather than contacting each organisation separately. It can inform organisations such as: HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) the Passport Office the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) your local council (for services such as Council Tax, Housing Benefit and Blue Badges) You'll usually be told how to access the service when you meet with a Registrar to register the death, if it's available for your circumstances. Managing household bills and services As well as notifying government departments, you'll usually need to contact organisations that provided services to the person who has died. This may include: gas and electricity suppliers water services (where applicable) telephone and broadband providers TV Licence and subscription services home or contents insurance providers Many larger companies now have dedicated bereavement teams who can guide you through closing or transferring an account. Before cancelling services, consider whether someone else will continue living in the property, as some accounts may simply need to be transferred into another person's name. https://www.scottishpower.co.uk/support-centre/bereavement https://www.scottishgas.co.uk/bereavement Bank accounts and finances Banks and building societies should also be informed as soon as possible. They will explain the process for closing or transferring accounts and, where necessary, dealing with the person's estate. If the person who died held a joint account, the surviving account holder can often continue using it, although the bank will still need to be notified. For sole accounts, the bank will advise what documentation is required before funds can be released or the account closed, but it would usually be the death certificate and proof of identification. If you're unsure about managing someone's finances after they have died, it's always worth seeking advice before making any financial decisions. Digital accounts and online services These days, many parts of our lives are managed online, so it's easy to overlook digital accounts when someone dies. As well as cancelling subscriptions or updating account details, you may need to consider dealing with the persons: email accounts mobile phone contracts social media profiles online shopping accounts streaming services cloud storage or photo libraries Some online services allow accounts to be closed, memorialised or transferred, although each company has its own process and may ask for a copy of the death certificate. If you're acting on behalf of the person's estate, it's worth making a list of any online accounts you know about so that nothing is missed. This can also help prevent ongoing subscription payments or unnecessary charges. What happens to a tenancy? If the person who died rented their home, it's important to contact the landlord as soon as possible. Depending on the type of tenancy and who lived in the property, different options may be available. In some situations: a husband, wife, civil partner or partner may have succession rights another family member living in the property may qualify to take over the tenancy the tenancy may need to be ended Every situation is different, so it's important to seek advice before making decisions or handing back the keys. At CHAP, our Housing Advisers can explain your options, help you understand your rights and support you if you're worried about keeping your home. If the person lived in a council or housing association home If the person who died rented their home from the council or a housing association, it's important to contact the landlord as soon as possible. Once the tenancy has ended, the property will usually need to be cleared and returned in line with the tenancy agreement. This can feel like a daunting task, particularly while you're grieving, but many landlords understand the circumstances and may be able to discuss realistic timescales or offer practical guidance. If furniture or belongings remain, speak to the landlord before arranging a house clearance, as there may be procedures to follow. Returning the property promptly also helps ensure the home can be prepared for another person or family who may be waiting for accommodation. If you're unsure about your responsibilities or believe someone may have the right to succeed to the tenancy, seek advice before emptying or handing back the property. Benefits and finances A bereavement often changes household finances. Some benefits will stop, while others may start or increase. You may become entitled to financial support that wasn't available before. It's important to report changes promptly and have your entitlement checked. This can help ensure you're receiving everything you're entitled to and avoid any overpayments. CHAP's Welfare Rights Advisers can carry out a free benefits check and help you make any new claims. Dealing with debts If the person who died had debts, family members are not usually personally responsible for paying them simply because they are related. Debts are normally dealt with as part of administering the person's estate. If you're unsure what this means, or you're receiving letters from creditors, seek advice before making payments. If you're struggling financially following a bereavement, CHAP's Money Advisers can also help you manage your own finances and explore your options. Useful documents to keep handy As you begin dealing with practical matters, it can help to gather important documents in one place. Depending on the circumstances, you may need: the death certificate (it's often useful to purchase several certified copies) the person's National Insurance number NHS number (if known) pension and benefits information bank and building society details utility account numbers tenancy agreement or mortgage documents the person's will (if one exists) details of any life insurance policies or prepaid funeral plans Having these documents readily available can make it easier when speaking to organisations or completing forms. Looking after yourself Grief affects everyone differently. There is no right or wrong way to feel, and there is no timetable for recovery. While there are practical matters that need attention, it's equally important to look after yourself. Don't feel you have to cope alone. Lean on family and friends where you can, accept offers of help, and remember that it's okay to ask for support. Organisations that can help If you need additional support, the following organisations can provide practical advice or emotional help: Cruse Scotland – Bereavement support, information and counselling. https://www.crusescotland.org.uk Breathing Space – Confidential support if you're feeling low or overwhelmed. https://www.breathingspace.scot/how-we-can-help/need-to-talk Samaritans – Available 24 hours a day if you're experiencing emotional distress. https://www.samaritans.org/samaritans-in-scotland We're here to help Bereavement brings enough emotional challenges without having to navigate complicated paperwork, housing issues or financial worries on your own. If losing someone has affected your housing, income or finances, CHAP is here to help. Our advisers provide free, confidential and independent advice across Ayrshire, helping people understand their options and access the support they're entitled to. Whether you have questions about a tenancy, need a benefits check, are worried about debt, or simply aren't sure where to start, we're here to listen and help you find the right way forward. You don't have to face it alone. Call us on Freephone 030 0002 0002

For many of us, warm weather is something to look forward to. It's a chance to spend more time outdoors, enjoy the garden, have a barbecue with friends and family, and let the children play outside for longer. But when everyone is spending more time outside, it's not unusual for the occasional disagreement with neighbours to arise. Loud music and late-night gatherings, smoke drifting from a barbecue, an overgrown hedge or parking issues can quickly become a source of frustration if they're not handled carefully. The good news is that most neighbour disputes can be resolved before they become serious. A little understanding, communication and consideration can go a long way towards keeping the peace while allowing everyone to enjoy the summer. A little give and take Living in a community means accepting that we all have different lifestyles and routines. Children will laugh and play outdoors, people will cut their grass, friends may gather for the occasional barbecue and neighbours may be carrying out DIY or gardening projects while the weather allows. These are all part of everyday life and, in most cases, are considered reasonable activities. At the same time, everyone has a responsibility to be considerate of those around them. Excessive noise late into the evening, repeated disturbances or behaviour that causes alarm or distress can have a real impact on neighbours' wellbeing and enjoyment of their own home. Finding the right balance benefits everyone. Common issues during the summer Some of the most common causes of neighbour disagreements include: Loud music or parties continuing late into the evening. Barbecue smoke affecting neighbouring gardens or homes. Garden bonfires causing excessive smoke. Dogs barking for long periods when left outside. Overgrown hedges or trees encroaching onto neighbouring property. Parking disagreements. DIY or the use of power tools early in the morning or late at night. Rubbish or waste attracting pests. Alcohol-related disturbances. Threatening and abusive behaviour. Racially aggravated behaviour. Persistent anti-social behaviour. Of course, not every annoyance amounts to anti-social behaviour or a legal nuisance, but persistent or unreasonable behaviour may need to be addressed. Start with a friendly conversation If you feel comfortable doing so, speaking to your neighbour should usually be the first step. Many people are genuinely unaware that they're causing a problem. A calm conversation at the right time can often resolve matters quickly without damaging your relationship with them. When speaking to a neighbour: Choose a time when everyone is calm. Explain how the issue is affecting you rather than making accusations. Listen to their point of view. Try to agree on a practical compromise. Avoid confronting someone while emotions are running high or after a noisy gathering, as this can often make the situation worse. If the problem continues If you've tried to resolve the issue informally but nothing changes, it can be helpful to keep a record of what's happening. Make a note of: Dates and times. Location of the incident. What happened. How long the issue lasted. Who else witnessed the incident. How the incident affected them. Any conversations you've had about it. If any official action was taken (called police/reported to ASB or to landlord etc.) Any supporting information - witness names/videos/photos/voice recordings etc. Keeping an accurate diary can be useful if you later need to report an ongoing problem. It's also important to avoid retaliating. Responding with more noise, arguments or social media posts about your neighbour rarely improves the situation and can make resolving the issue much more difficult. Who can help? Depending on the nature of the problem, different organisations may be able to assist. Your landlord or housing provider If you rent your home, your landlord or housing association may be able to help where there are breaches of tenancy conditions or ongoing neighbour disputes. Many landlords have procedures for investigating complaints and encouraging tenants to resolve issues appropriately. Your local council Scottish local authorities have powers to investigate certain environmental issues, including statutory noise nuisance and other environmental health concerns. Councils may ask residents to keep a diary of disturbances and, in some cases, may install noise monitoring equipment where persistent problems are reported. Environmental Health teams can also investigate issues such as excessive smoke from bonfires, accumulations of waste or other matters affecting public health. Police Scotland If behaviour becomes threatening, intimidating or criminal, or involves vandalism, assault, hate crime or serious anti-social behaviour, you should contact Police Scotland. For non-emergencies, call 101. If someone is in immediate danger or a crime is taking place, always call 999. Understanding anti-social behaviour in Scotland Under the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004, anti-social behaviour is generally behaviour that causes or is likely to cause alarm or distress to others who are not part of the same household. However, not every disagreement between neighbours falls within this definition. For example, hearing children playing in the garden, someone mowing their lawn during reasonable hours or an occasional family barbecue would normally be considered as just part of everyday living. Each situation is considered on its own facts, taking into account how often it happens, the time of day, the level of disturbance and whether the behaviour is considered reasonable. Rights and responsibilities Everyone has the right to enjoy their home without unreasonable interference. Equally, everyone has a responsibility to use their home in a way that respects the rights of those living nearby. Being considerate can often prevent disputes before they begin. If you're planning a gathering: Let your neighbours know in advance if possible. Keep music at a reasonable level. Encourage guests to leave quietly. Move celebrations indoors later in the evening if noise is likely to travel. Clear away litter promptly. Small gestures like these can make a big difference. Looking after your wellbeing Neighbour disputes can be stressful and may affect your sleep, mental wellbeing and sense of security. If you're finding the situation overwhelming, don't struggle alone. Speak to family or friends, seek advice early and avoid allowing problems to build up over time. Equally, if someone raises a concern with you, try not to take it personally. A respectful conversation may prevent a small issue from becoming a lasting disagreement. How CHAP can help While CHAP does not mediate neighbour disputes or investigate complaints, our Housing Advisers can provide advice on housing rights and responsibilities, explain what options may be available and help you identify the most appropriate organisation to contact if further support is needed. If you're unsure where to turn or you're worried that a housing issue is beginning to affect your wellbeing or your tenancy, we're here to listen and help you understand your options. Sometimes, getting advice early is the best way to prevent a small problem becoming a much bigger one. Need housing advice? If you're experiencing housing difficulties or have questions about your rights and responsibilities, get in touch with CHAP on Freephone 030 0002 0002 . Our friendly team provides free, confidential and impartial advice to people across Ayrshire. Please note: the content of this article is intended as general guidance and does not constitute legal advice.

We're delighted to announce that CHAP has been selected as one of 23 projects across Scotland awarded a share of nearly £2.2 million to help empower people to live well and take control of their health and wellbeing. The Self Management Fund is administered by the Health and Social Care Alliance (the ALLIANCE), with the grant awards helping organisations to support people living with long term conditions, disabled people and unpaid carers. Delivered over a 3-year period, the grant award of £141,542 will allow CHAP to move beyond traditional advice provision and embed self-management principles throughout the advice and advocacy journey. Rather than treating self-management as a separate service, the project will integrate confidence-building, anticipatory planning, system navigation, resilience, and behavioural change within their existing advice pathways. The overall aim is to support individuals to move from reactive crisis management towards greater independence, control, resilience, and sustained self-efficacy. Projects the length and breadth of Scotland received one-to-three-year funding to deliver their projects. The fund supports people with long term health conditions, disabled people and unpaid carers: with this latest round focused on helping people early on; levelling up population health; and supporting people on waiting lists. Self management is a way of living and working that means people living with long term conditions feel more in control of their own health and wellbeing. It supports people to live their lives better, on their terms. Debbie Alexander, CEO at CHAP said: “ We are delighted to receive this funding from The ALLIANCE. This will empower disabled people, people living with long-term conditions, and unpaid carers across North Ayrshire to build confidence, access the support they need, and take greater control of their lives. By embedding self-management throughout our advice and support services, we can help people move beyond crisis management and towards greater independence and resilience .” Sara Redmond, Chief Officer, at the Health and Social Care Alliance, said: “ Self management plays a vital role in person centred care, an approach that treats people as partners in their own care. And we’re proud to continue supporting third sector projects that make a difference. By backing work that focuses on early support, tackles health inequalities, and helps people waiting for care, we can strengthen learning about how these prevention methods are built into Scotland’s health and social care services .” This investment from the Self Management Fund, administered by the ALLIANCE, is made possible by the continued support and investment from the Scottish Government. The ALLIANCE is the national third sector membership organisation for the health and social care sector, representing 3,500 members. To find out more and view the list of funded projects, please visit: https://www.alliance-scotland.org.uk/blog/news/new-self-management-projects For over 25 years, CHAP has been providing free, independent, confidential advice and advocacy services to help people with housing, benefits, and debt related issues.  To arrange an appointment with one of our advisers, call Freephone 030 0002 0002 .