Scottish MPs have been warned by a consumer advocacy group, that banks should take more responsibility to help people avoid racking up debts they cannot afford to repay.

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) pointed out that bank practices including high charges and lending to people who are already in the red, have led to many people needing debt help.

The recession has also contributed to the number of people in need of a debt management solution in Scotland and CAS head of social policy Susan McPhee, noted that banks need to be made more aware of their responsibilities to their customers "and to society in general".

Representatives from the CAS are set to give a presentation to the Scottish affairs committee in Westminster this week. The group reported that the average CAS client is currently struggling to repay debts totalling more than £20,000.

Citizens Advice was started as an emergency service during World War II and the Scottish bureau has more than 200 locations across the country.