New figures have indicated that the percentage of people struggling financially has gone up to 25% in 2019, from 21% in 2017. Similarly, the percentage of people living comfortably or very comfortably on their present incomes has decreased between 2017 and 2019, from 38% to 35%.

The charity has said these figures reveal the consistent squeeze on incomes due to stagnant wages, a rising cost of living and cuts to social security.

The organisation is urging people to make an appointment with their local CAS to check their entitlement to benefits and to discover whether they could be paying less for their energy and council tax.

CAS chief executive, Derek Mitchell, said: “These figures highlight the strain that people are under in Scotland and reflect what our advisers see every day. Many people who are in work are finding it hard to pay their bills and put food on the table.

“The Citizens Advice network in Scotland helps and advocates for hundreds of thousands of people every year, many of whom are struggling financially. We are able to give real support to these clients, we can check whether you are entitled to energy grants, council tax reductions or social security benefits that you are not claiming. It is surprising how often people can access new money they didn’t even know about.”

He added: “We urge people who are finding it hard to get by to contact us today to make sure they are not missing out on money. You can do this in person at your local Citizens Advice Bureau, or by phoning 0800 085 7145. All our advice is free, confidential and impartial.”