CITIZENS ADVICE SCOTLAND REPORT ON BEING YOUNG BEING HEARD

That this House welcomes Citizens Advice Scotland's (CAS) latest research report, Being Young Being Heard, which outlines the impact of the recession on young people living in Scotland; commends CAS for undertaking this important piece of research on the problems faced by young people; notes that young people in Scotland are having to cope with serious issues such as homelessness, debt and unemployment; is concerned that young people are three times more likely to be unemployed compared to the working age population; further notes that young people under the age of 25 years are unable to claim working tax credit and receive 20 per cent. less in jobseeker's allowance per week compared to those who are over 25 years; is further concerned that the current welfare system provides inadequate financial and employment assistance to this group; recognises the urgent need for programmes that assist young people with their problems; and calls on the Government to establish and support policies and practices that benefit young people across Scotland.