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Seòmar agus comataidhean

One Million Pounds of Debt Cleared Through Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Kirkintilloch Centre

  • Submitted by: Rona Mackay, Strathkelvin and Bearsden, Scottish National Party.
  • Date lodged: Wednesday, 06 December 2023
  • Motion reference: S6M-11548

That the Parliament commends the actions and compassion of the Kirkintilloch-based CAP Debt Centre team in reaching a significant milestone by clearing in excess of £1 million of clients' debt; recognises what it sees as the dedication and tenacity of staff and volunteers in supporting 85 clients to become completely debt free and hundreds more to engage with the service, which was launched in 2012 and now covers East Dunbartonshire and Cumbernauld; applauds the non-judgemental debt help that is delivered free of charge to local people, regardless of their age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, religion, nationality or race; understands that the centre is actively engaging with around 36 clients at any given time, intensively supporting their practical and emotional needs throughout the process; pays tribute to the vision and empathy shown by founding centre manager, Gill Paton, former centre manager, Colin Richards and current centre manager, Ross Hutchinson, and all those who have given their time, skills and wisdom as debt coaches, administrators and befrienders, including Irene Woods, Scott Provan, Janet Campbell, Fiona Richards, Michele Sproull and Tim Lavy; notes that Christians Against Poverty is an award-winning national charity with headquarters in Bradford and a dedicated Scotland team with an office in Edinburgh; understands that the charity is accredited by the Financial Conduct Authority and supported by Martin Lewis; encourages people who are experiencing unmanageable debt to seek out advice and support, particularly through CAP or another not-for-profit organisation with a positive track record and traceability; recognises all past and present clients of the CAP Debt Centre, which is based in Kirkintilloch Baptist Church, for their courage in reaching out for support, either directly or through referral from a partner agency; delights at reports of the positive experiences of clients, whose lives have been transformed, and who, it understands, are now using the tools provided to remain debt-free, and sends every best wish to the CAP team in Kirkintilloch as it continues to have an impact in the constituency of Strathkelvin and Bearsden and beyond.


Supported by: Karen Adam, Clare Adamson, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett, Stephanie Callaghan, Annabelle Ewing, Murdo Fraser, Kenneth Gibson, Ross Greer, Emma Harper, Bill Kidd, Stuart McMillan, Marie McNair, Audrey Nicoll, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Tess White