StepChange Debt Charity has identified six priorities for the government to take forward to alleviate cost of living pressures and help build lasting financial resilience.
In its newly published briefing, StepChange argues that the UK’s cost‑of‑living pressures, especially unaffordable energy, water, housing and council tax bills, are driving millions into financial difficulty. It calls for a government agenda focused on long‑term financial resilience, fair treatment of people in debt, and targeted support for low‑income households.
The six priorities that StepChange says would provide immediate support to households under pressure while helping people build greater
financial resilience for the future, are:
1. Introduce a national energy social tariff
2. Increase the uptake of Council Tax Support
3. Introduce a statutory regulator for bailiffs
4. Increase the uptake of the Help to Save scheme
5. Introduce a national No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS)
6. Introduce a new debt solution – Statutory Debt Repayment Plans (SDRP)