Watching the Opportunity Gap in Scotland Widen
John Edgar • 10 March 2025
Poverty in Scotland isn’t just persistent - it’s growing. Despite the clear need for early intervention and financial education, funding cuts are making it harder to support those most at risk. In this thought-provoking article, CHAP Chair Ray Chaney explores the widening opportunity gap, the cost of inaction, and why we must rethink how we tackle financial insecurity.
I’m old enough to remember the SMASH adverts of the 1970s, where barely-credible, tinny robots laughed uproariously at the thought of mashing potatoes (something, of course, we still do). But it’s hard not to imagine contemporary aliens also clutching their sides at the thought that the world’s most expensive handbag recently sold for two million dollars, while we simultaneously allow people to become homeless for lack of money for earlier intervention.
In Scotland and across the UK, we have socialist-inclined governments, alongside poverty and inequality figures which continue to get worse, not better.
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s report, ‘Poverty in Scotland 2024’ identifies that over one million people in Scotland continue to live in defined poverty, including a quarter of a million children.
‘Getting people back to work is the answer’, we are regularly told - and having an earned income generally helps an individual or family’s situation. But it’s very far from a single solution.
According to the government’s own statistics*, wealth is far more unevenly distributed than income, with the wealthiest 2% of the population owning 18% of Scotland’s wealth. At the same time, around a third of Scottish adults do not have sufficient savings to last a month before falling into poverty. Even greater numbers of adults have zero pension savings.
I work with people who are socially and economically excluded in one of the most deprived areas of Scotland. Through a charity focused on financial education, debt advice and homelessness prevention, we spend way too many of our resources helping people already teetering on the point of crisis.
What we really want to do is to invest resources in crisis prevention and in achieving lasting social change but, in these times of austerity (by any other name), funding is being cut in ways which make me tear my hair out in frustration.
Public sector funding for the provision of debt advice and support is being drastically cut, despite the fact this will demonstrably result in more Court and eviction costs; more health and stress issues being passed to the NHS; greater calls on emergency housing and on hard-pressed social services, as families are broken up.
These are less cost-savings than costs being kicked down the road.
Or, as the Rowntree Foundation report puts it, “A weak social safety net weakens our economy. Politicians often rightly talk of individuals locked out of the labour market by NHS waiting lists, yet ignore the impacts of the social security system on weakening people’s resilience when they need it the most. Good career advice rarely starts with recommending a period of deep financial insecurity and the anxiety that goes with it.”
Our experience, over more than twenty years, is that people on low incomes tend to have poor financial knowledge, little financial interest, and hence highly restricted access to ways to live better on a budget.
In families where living hand to mouth is the norm, paying higher prices for goods and services goes unquestioned. The thought of saving to avoid future crises seems laughable and the notion of having any real option a cruel fiction.
We have gone into secondary schools in Ayrshire for twenty years, emphasising that money (whether a little or a lot) needs to be actively managed. We discuss in lively ways why debt should be avoided and suggest strategies how this may be achieved.
Our efforts have been rewarded by becoming part of the curriculum in several schools, where we have also just been invited to devise pilot programmes for younger pupils. In addition, we offer free, financial education to adults within the community, where take-up has been greatly encouraging.
The ongoing problem is that we, like many charities, are struggling to secure ongoing funding for our work. Local Authority budgets increasingly prioritise ‘necessities’ and maintaining the status quo, which means we see the chance of meaningful social change receding further.
Early intervention and education to help young people understand the ways that money can be used and wasted, plus sharing understanding of how others thrive, can provide hope and opportunity. We actively challenge the belief that, just because something has always been this way, then this is the way it has to be.
Through necessity, we are turning our attention to finding partners in the private sector who believe, as we do, that no society sustains itself by sucking funds from the many to give to the few; only chucking money at problems at the eleventh hour, with all the attendant human and societal misery that entails.
That’s not my view of a healthy society, secure communities or potential for economic growth through meaningful change.
Ray Chaney is the Chair of CHAP, a debt, welfare and housing advice charity based in Ardrossan in Ayrshire. Providing outreach into local communities, it delivers a range of advice, support and educational services.
*The latest published government figures on wealth distribution in Scotland are from 2018-2020 (pre-pandemic) https://data.gov.scot/wealth/
For more articles like this, please connect with CHAP on LinkedIn.
When life throws challenges our way - whether it’s housing worries, debt issues, or navigating the complex benefits system - it can feel daunting knowing where to turn. That’s why it’s so important to choose an organisation you can trust. At CHAP, we’re proud to hold a range of accreditations and memberships that show our advice isn’t just free and confidential, but it's also backed by the highest professional standards. Here are some of the key accreditations and regulatory bodies that oversee the work we do, and why they matter: • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Regulation Finally, CHAP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means our financial advice meets robust industry standards, offering clients an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. • Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers CHAP holds Type III accreditation under these national standards - the highest level possible. This means our advice in housing, welfare rights, and money/debt is independently assessed to ensure it meets strict criteria for quality, accuracy and professionalism. For our clients, this offers reassurance that the guidance we provide is trusted and reliable. • Approved Money Advisers We’re approved by the Scottish Government as money advisers for the Homeowner’s Support Fund. This allows us to deliver projects like the AHAP service, helping homeowners who are struggling with their mortgage to access vital support and prevent repossession. • Accountant in Bankruptcy Authorisation CHAP is approved by the AIB (Accountant in Bankruptcy) to provide assistance with formal debt solutions. We can support people applying for the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) and use the BASYS system to submit bankruptcy applications where appropriate. This ensures that clients receive correct, regulated support with serious financial decisions. • Fair Work Commitment As both a Living Wage and Living Hours accredited employer, CHAP demonstrates a strong commitment to fair pay and job security. We believe that treating our staff well not only benefits them, but also enhances the quality of service our community receives. Why it matters For over twenty years, CHAP has been trusted to deliver free, independent and confidential advice across Ayrshire. But trust isn’t just something you say - it’s something you prove. These accreditations and regulatory commitments show that we’re accountable, professional and dedicated to doing things the right way. So, whether you’re worried about rent arrears, need help with benefits, or are struggling with debt, you can be confident that CHAP’s advisers are working to the very highest standards of care and professionalism. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from our services, please get in touch: Freephone 030 0002 0002 .
We know it’s not always convenient for people to come along to our Ardrossan office, so CHAP offers an outreach service in various locations across Ayrshire. By operating in multiple local venues, we aim to ensure that people experiencing challenges with housing, welfare rights, or debt do not have to travel long distances to access help. Our outreach service is designed to reduce barriers and make free, independent and professional advice more accessible to those who need it most. At each venue within North, East and South Ayrshire, our trained advisers are available to meet with individuals and families for one-to-one appointments. These sessions can cover a wide range of issues, from tenancy rights and homelessness prevention to benefit applications and managing personal debt. Below is a list of CHAP’s current outreach locations: North Ayrshire Dalry Library - Tuesdays Irvine - Fullarton Community Hub - Wednesdays Irvine - Redburn Community Centre - Tuesdays Kilbirnie - George Steven Community Hub - Thursdays Kilwinning - Cranberry Moss Community Centre - Mondays and Thursdays East Ayrshire Kilmarnock - CentreStage Neighbourhood - Tuesdays & Thursdays South Ayrshire (Council Tax Debt Only) Ayr Housing Aid Centre - Wednesdays (excluding the last week of each month) Girvan Library - Last Thursday of each month Please note that appointments at these locations are available by booking only - drop-in appointments are not available. This helps us make sure everyone gets dedicated, one-to-one time with an adviser who can focus on the person's situation. If you or someone you know could benefit from speaking to CHAP, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to arrange an appointment at the outreach location most convenient for you. Call Freephone 030 0002 0002 or use the live chat feature here on our website.
After more than two decades of dedicated service, we recently said a fond farewell to one of CHAP's longest-serving Trustees who has stepped down from his role on the board. Jim McGeehan has been a valued member of CHAP’s Board of Trustees for over 20 years, playing a crucial role in the organisation’s development. He served as Chair for many of those years, guiding the charity through significant periods of change and growth with a steady hand and unwavering commitment. In Jim’s parting message he states: “It has been a tremendous honour and privilege to serve on the board. During this time, I have been continually inspired by the mission of CHAP, the dedication of its staff, and the impact we have had on the Ayrshire community.” On a more personal note to board members, he added: “Thank you for your support. I will miss your camaraderie and the good times we have had. It has been a blast. Thank you all!” . Fellow trustees were quick to reflect on the contribution Jim has made over the past two decades - not just professionally, but personally. Current Chair, Ray Chaney, commented: “That phrase people often use - ‘He lights up the room’ - absolutely applies to Jim. His care for staff, his concern for fairness, and his positivity made him truly one of a kind. He’ll be sorely missed by us all at future board meetings.” Trustee Marjorie added: “It’s an understatement to say that Jim did more than his fair share over the years and it won’t be quite the same without his resolute positivity, wit and cheeky grin!” Another long-standing trustee, Jim Munro, said: “It has been an absolute privilege serving on the board with Jim. He has been a fantastic Board Member, demonstrating wisdom, great people skills and business insight. On a personal level, I will miss his funny anecdotes - many of which will live long in my memory!” . Alasdair, who joined the CHAP Board last year, also commented: “Jim leaves us with big shoes to fill. From everything I’ve learned, he’s been a huge influence and a great leader. CHAP feels like a family - and it’s very clear that Jim helped shape that.”
With scams becoming increasingly frequent and convincing, it’s more important than ever to stay alert. Fraudsters are constantly coming up with new ways to trick people into handing over money or personal details - often pretending to be someone you trust, like a bank, government agency or delivery company. At CHAP, we’ve been hearing directly from clients who’ve been targeted by scammers - and sadly, some have been caught out. There are too many scams to list, but here are six of the most common scams around at the moment, along with tips on how to stay one step ahead. 1. DWP Winter Heating Payment Scam Texts Scammers are sending texts that appear to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), asking older people to confirm their details or risk losing out on their Winter Heating Payment. How to spot: Genuine government bodies won’t ask for your personal details by text or ask you to click a link. Look out for poor spelling or grammar, and suspicious links. If in doubt, contact the DWP directly using a verified number or website. 2. Fake Royal Mail or Courier Delivery Texts You receive a text or email saying there’s a parcel waiting to be delivered, but a fee must be paid first. The link takes you to a fake website that captures your card details. How to spot: Unexpected delivery texts, especially if you haven’t ordered anything. Requests for small payments (e.g. £1.99) to 'release' a parcel. Hover over or inspect links before clicking - real courier companies will never demand upfront fees like this. 3. Council Tax Refund or Rebanding Scams Scammers pretend to be from your local council or a claims company and say you’re owed a Council Tax rebate. They then ask for your bank details or a fee to 'process' the refund. How to spot: Councils don’t charge a fee to check your band or issue a refund. Never give bank details to cold callers or unsolicited emails/texts. If you're unsure, contact your council directly using details from their official website. 4. Fake Banking Fraud Calls or Texts You’re told there’s suspicious activity on your bank account, and you're urged to transfer your money to a 'safe account'. The caller may sound very convincing and even know some of your personal details. How to spot: Your bank will never ask you to move your money or share full PINs/passwords. Don’t rely on caller ID - scammers can often spoof legitimate numbers. Hang up and call your bank using a trusted number. 5. HMRC Tax Refund or Fine Scams You receive a message or call claiming you’re due a tax refund or that you owe HMRC money and will face legal action if you don’t pay immediately. How to spot: HMRC doesn’t contact people this way and will never demand urgent payment via text or call. Scare tactics and urgency are red flags. Check by logging into your official HMRC online account. 6. Energy Bill Discount Scams Fraudsters claim you’re eligible for a government grant or energy discount and ask you to fill in a form with your personal or banking information. How to spot: The government doesn’t ask for personal information this way. If you’re unsure, check the official Government website for schemes and announcements. Never click links in unexpected emails or texts claiming to be from Ofgem or your energy supplier. Other Scams to Be Aware Of There are many more scams out there - too many to list - but here are just a couple of others to watch out for: Microsoft Tech Support Scam Cold callers claim to be from Microsoft and say there’s a problem with your computer. They’ll ask you to download software so they can 'fix' it remotely, then try to charge you hundreds of pounds for fake repairs or software that doesn’t exist. Never allow remote access to your computer unless you’ve contacted a verified support service yourself. WhatsApp Family Scam You receive a message that appears to be from your son, daughter, or another family member saying they’ve lost their phone and need money urgently. Always call or speak to the person directly before sending money - don’t rely on text alone. Where to Report Scams In Scotland, report all scams to Advice Direct Scotland by calling 0808 164 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm) or online at www.consumeradvice.scot Fraud If you have been the victim of fraud, report it to Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Suspicious Emails You can forward suspicious emails to: report@phishing.gov.uk and send links from websites which you think are trying to scam the public to the National Cyber Security Centre's scam website reporting service at: www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website Suspicious Text Messages If you receive a suspicious text message you can forward it to 7726 . The free-of-charge ‘7726’ service enables your provider to investigate and take action if malicious content is found. Protect Yourself Take your time - scammers rely on panic and urgency. Never click on suspicious links - always go directly to the official site. Stay informed - follow CHAP on social media for weekly updates through our Scam Watch series. The best defence against scams is awareness - so let’s keep each other informed and one step ahead. If you, or anyone you know, is facing issues related to housing, benefits or debt, please call Freephone 030 0002 0002 or use the Live Chat feature on our website. All our services are FREE, confidential and impartial.
Now that the summer holidays are in full swing, many families are looking forward to a well-earned break from the usual routine. But for some parents and carers, the holidays can also bring added pressure - especially for households already managing on a low income. When school is in session, children benefit from structured days, school meals, and a range of free activities. Without that daily support, the summer months can sometimes feel long and financially draining. The added costs of food, activities, and childcare can put a real strain on already tight budgets. At CHAP, we understand how challenging this time of year can be. That’s why we want to remind families that help is available and that nobody should feel they have to face these pressures alone. Free and Low-Cost Family Activities We know that keeping the kids amused during school holidays and weekends can be tough when you're on a budget - but there are plenty of free or low-cost places to visit across Ayrshire that the whole family can enjoy. Public Parks Explore places such as Eglinton Country Park, Kelburn Castle & Estate or Dean Castle Country Park - all have play areas, nature trails and loads of space for picnics and adventures. Castles & Museums Visit historically rich places including the North Ayrshire Heritage Centre, Kilwinning Abbey, Portencross Castle or The Dick Institute - all completely free and full of fascinating discoveries for curious minds. Beaches From Largs to Ayr, there are loads of family-friendly spots along the coast to build sandcastles, paddle, or just enjoy the fresh sea air. Hop over to Cumbrae A short, affordable ferry from Largs takes you to the wee island of Cumbrae - perfect for a mini-adventure! Take bikes, enjoy the beach, or walk along the promenade in Millport. You'll often find that your local library will have a programme of activities to keep children active and engaged - without breaking the bank. Help with Food During the Holidays For families who rely on free school meals during term time, the summer holidays can mean added food costs that are hard to cover. Low-income families may be entitled to a payment to support them over the school holiday period. In North Ayrshire, the Council are providing free lunches to eligible children and young people of primary and secondary school age. To find out more please click here . Local food larders and foodbanks play a vital role in supporting families who may be struggling - especially during the school holidays. Food larders usually operate on a membership or low-cost basis, allowing people to access fresh and store-cupboard items at a fraction of supermarket prices. Foodbanks, on the other hand, provide emergency food parcels to those in crisis, usually through a referral system. If you're unsure where your nearest food support is or how to access it, CHAP can help point you in the right direction. List of Food Larders in North Ayrshire List of Food Larders in East Ayrshire South Ayrshire Food Banks Benefit Checks and Budgeting Support The summer period is also a good time to make sure you're claiming everything you’re entitled to. Many families are missing out on support such as: Scottish Child Payment Best Start Grants and Foods Universal Credit Council Tax Reduction Discretionary Housing Payments CHAP’s advisers can help you understand what’s available, assist with applications, and offer budgeting advice to help your money go further - not just during the holidays, but all year round. You’re Not Alone The school holidays should be a time to make memories and enjoy time together - not a source of financial worry. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to turn, please remember that CHAP is here for you. Our advice is always free, confidential and independent. You can call us on Freephone 030 0002 0002 or use the live chat feature on our website.
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When life throws challenges our way - whether it’s housing worries, debt issues, or navigating the complex benefits system - it can feel daunting knowing where to turn. That’s why it’s so important to choose an organisation you can trust. At CHAP, we’re proud to hold a range of accreditations and memberships that show our advice isn’t just free and confidential, but it's also backed by the highest professional standards. Here are some of the key accreditations and regulatory bodies that oversee the work we do, and why they matter: • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) Regulation Finally, CHAP is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This means our financial advice meets robust industry standards, offering clients an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. • Scottish National Standards for Information and Advice Providers CHAP holds Type III accreditation under these national standards - the highest level possible. This means our advice in housing, welfare rights, and money/debt is independently assessed to ensure it meets strict criteria for quality, accuracy and professionalism. For our clients, this offers reassurance that the guidance we provide is trusted and reliable. • Approved Money Advisers We’re approved by the Scottish Government as money advisers for the Homeowner’s Support Fund. This allows us to deliver projects like the AHAP service, helping homeowners who are struggling with their mortgage to access vital support and prevent repossession. • Accountant in Bankruptcy Authorisation CHAP is approved by the AIB (Accountant in Bankruptcy) to provide assistance with formal debt solutions. We can support people applying for the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) and use the BASYS system to submit bankruptcy applications where appropriate. This ensures that clients receive correct, regulated support with serious financial decisions. • Fair Work Commitment As both a Living Wage and Living Hours accredited employer, CHAP demonstrates a strong commitment to fair pay and job security. We believe that treating our staff well not only benefits them, but also enhances the quality of service our community receives. Why it matters For over twenty years, CHAP has been trusted to deliver free, independent and confidential advice across Ayrshire. But trust isn’t just something you say - it’s something you prove. These accreditations and regulatory commitments show that we’re accountable, professional and dedicated to doing things the right way. So, whether you’re worried about rent arrears, need help with benefits, or are struggling with debt, you can be confident that CHAP’s advisers are working to the very highest standards of care and professionalism. If you, or someone you know, could benefit from our services, please get in touch: Freephone 030 0002 0002 .
We know it’s not always convenient for people to come along to our Ardrossan office, so CHAP offers an outreach service in various locations across Ayrshire. By operating in multiple local venues, we aim to ensure that people experiencing challenges with housing, welfare rights, or debt do not have to travel long distances to access help. Our outreach service is designed to reduce barriers and make free, independent and professional advice more accessible to those who need it most. At each venue within North, East and South Ayrshire, our trained advisers are available to meet with individuals and families for one-to-one appointments. These sessions can cover a wide range of issues, from tenancy rights and homelessness prevention to benefit applications and managing personal debt. Below is a list of CHAP’s current outreach locations: North Ayrshire Dalry Library - Tuesdays Irvine - Fullarton Community Hub - Wednesdays Irvine - Redburn Community Centre - Tuesdays Kilbirnie - George Steven Community Hub - Thursdays Kilwinning - Cranberry Moss Community Centre - Mondays and Thursdays East Ayrshire Kilmarnock - CentreStage Neighbourhood - Tuesdays & Thursdays South Ayrshire (Council Tax Debt Only) Ayr Housing Aid Centre - Wednesdays (excluding the last week of each month) Girvan Library - Last Thursday of each month Please note that appointments at these locations are available by booking only - drop-in appointments are not available. This helps us make sure everyone gets dedicated, one-to-one time with an adviser who can focus on the person's situation. If you or someone you know could benefit from speaking to CHAP, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to arrange an appointment at the outreach location most convenient for you. Call Freephone 030 0002 0002 or use the live chat feature here on our website.
After more than two decades of dedicated service, we recently said a fond farewell to one of CHAP's longest-serving Trustees who has stepped down from his role on the board. Jim McGeehan has been a valued member of CHAP’s Board of Trustees for over 20 years, playing a crucial role in the organisation’s development. He served as Chair for many of those years, guiding the charity through significant periods of change and growth with a steady hand and unwavering commitment. In Jim’s parting message he states: “It has been a tremendous honour and privilege to serve on the board. During this time, I have been continually inspired by the mission of CHAP, the dedication of its staff, and the impact we have had on the Ayrshire community.” On a more personal note to board members, he added: “Thank you for your support. I will miss your camaraderie and the good times we have had. It has been a blast. Thank you all!” . Fellow trustees were quick to reflect on the contribution Jim has made over the past two decades - not just professionally, but personally. Current Chair, Ray Chaney, commented: “That phrase people often use - ‘He lights up the room’ - absolutely applies to Jim. His care for staff, his concern for fairness, and his positivity made him truly one of a kind. He’ll be sorely missed by us all at future board meetings.” Trustee Marjorie added: “It’s an understatement to say that Jim did more than his fair share over the years and it won’t be quite the same without his resolute positivity, wit and cheeky grin!” Another long-standing trustee, Jim Munro, said: “It has been an absolute privilege serving on the board with Jim. He has been a fantastic Board Member, demonstrating wisdom, great people skills and business insight. On a personal level, I will miss his funny anecdotes - many of which will live long in my memory!” . Alasdair, who joined the CHAP Board last year, also commented: “Jim leaves us with big shoes to fill. From everything I’ve learned, he’s been a huge influence and a great leader. CHAP feels like a family - and it’s very clear that Jim helped shape that.”