Debts & Loans

The government has announced the launching of a national campaign to help deal debt.

Cash machines will carry adverts for the campaign and a National Debtline will be set up offering debt counselling and advice.

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's deputy first minister, pledged £382,000 of Scottish government money to the campaign, which will be led by the Money Advice Trust.

Ms Sturgeon said: "The main message we want to get across is for people to take control of their debt, before it controls them."

She added that it was important for people to be honest with themselves about their debt and to seek help if they needed it.

Last week AXA published a study which revealed that one in three people had lied to a relative, a friend or their partner about the state of their finances.