The Citizens Advice network is made up of 59 local Citizens Advice Bureaux (CABs) and the Extra Help Unit (EHU), a team of specialist caseworkers based in Glasgow helping vulnerable consumers on energy issues.

Taken together, the network helped over 187,100 people in 2022-23, dealing with over 670,000 advice issues in the process.

That led to £142.3m unlocked for people through things like social security payments, employment entitlements and benefits in kind.

The figures represent a significant increase on 2021-22, where the network helped 174,500 clients, unlocking £132 million in client gains.

CAB clients who saw a gain having sought advice were on average £3,700 better off. Data analysis also shows that for every £1 invested in the core CAB service, £14 is delivered back to the community in client gains.

Meanwhile, over 2.5 million people accessed information through the Citizens Advice Scotland’s online advice pages.

CAS chief executive Derek Mitchell said: “These are extraordinary figures which shows the life-changing results CABs deliver.

“It’s been a really tough few years for people across Scotland, with first the pandemic, then the cost-of-living crisis, and CABs have been on the frontline of these crises, helping people every step of the way.

“That’s what this network is all about. Founded in the shadow of World War 2, we’re there for people through the challenges they face with free, impartial and confidential advice.

“These figures also show the inescapable reality that demand on the service is increasing. CABs and the EHU are dealing with more cases, and those cases are more likely to be complex and involve people who have reached a crisis point.

“This crisis is not going away any time soon, and it will cast a long shadow over people’s finances, as many will have turned to debt to cover essential costs and found themselves caught in a vicious cycle of higher costs and higher debt repayments to cover those costs.

“The special thing about our service is it is person centre and wraparound., We help people through all their problems rather than signpost them to multiple different agencies, we don’t judge people, we just help.

“It delivers incredible results but needs more support – more secure and flexible funding would make a huge difference, and ensure people get the support they need.”