Citizens Advice Scotland has said that people are spending over £50 per month on unwanted subscriptions like gym memberships

Scots are frittering away money on unwanted subscriptions such as gym memberships, TV contracts, insurance and online streaming services.

New research by Citizens Advice Scotland has revealed that consumers are spending an average of £50 a month on services which they no longer need or desire.

The study also found that nine in 10 people who tried to cancel a subscription were initially refused by the company.

Citizens Advice Scotland’s head of policy Susan McPhee said: "Subscriptions are very easy to sign up to, but can be difficult to get out of. Often you can find you have signed up to something you didn’t even know you had agreed to.

“Our research today shows that many people are wasting time and energy trying to cancel subscriptions, while paying fees they can’t afford for services they don’t want.

“Citizens Advice Scotland stands up for consumers. As National Consumer Week gets underway across the UK, we want to make sure people are aware of the terms and conditions of any subscription before they sign up. And we also want to urge companies act responsibly when customers want to end their services.”

Anyone who thinks they have been caught out by a subscription trap can get advice from the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 040506.