Dundee-born actor Brian Cox his recalled his own poverty-stricken childhood in a campaign highlighting the devastating impact debt can have on children.
He is supporting the Children’s Society’s campaign, The Debt Trap, because the struggle families go through to feed their children is “unbelievable and shameful”.
Speaking of his first-hand experience of poverty and debt as a child, he said: “My father died when I was eight leaving only £10 in the bank. My mother had a nervous breakdown as we spiralled into a life of poverty and debt.
“That’s why I’m supporting The Children’s Society’s debt campaign because it’s unbelievable and shameful that children today are being exposed to such a level of poverty that families are getting into debt to put food into children’s mouths.
“It’s not just physical, it’s a psychological disease that can be even more damaging causing anxiety and stress, it’s something that will stay with children all their lives. It doesn’t matter how successful you become, it’s scar, a mark that never leaves you.”
The Dundee University rector spoke out as a new report by the Children’s Society and StepChange Debt Charity showed problem debt is putting stress on family relationships, damaging children and trapping families in a downward spiral.
Some 2.5 million children live in families with problem debt, who have £4.8 billion of outstanding household bills and loan repayments. A further five million children are in families that are struggling to keep up with repayments and risk falling behind.
The report shows that children are suffering worry, anxiety and bullying.
The charities are calling for the government to consider developing a ‘breathing space’ scheme to give struggling families an extra period of protection from additional charges, further interest and enforcement action.