The Director of Shelter Scotland has said the Government's decision to cut the housing benefit for 18-21-year-olds is 'shameful'.

The policy was revealed yesterday along with the Chancellor's Budget announcement.

Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, said: "This is a youth tax and a shameful decision which is unjustified and cruel.

"It completely removes the safety net that is in place to protect young people whose circumstances often prevent them from staying in or returning to the family home.

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"Whether it's someone fleeing an abusive relationship or thrown out of their home, or someone caught between jobs a long way from home, we have a duty to support young people."

Mr Brown said that cutting the housing benefit for young people may lead to a rise in homelessness.

He suggested an alternative way of reducing the housing benefit bill would be to invest in affordable housing.

"In Scotland, we need to build at least 10,000 new homes for social rent each year for the foreseeable future to tackle the shortage of affordable housing.

"By investing in affordable housing, not only would this bring hope to the 150,500 households on council waiting lists, it would also gradually reduce the housing benefit bill, which in turn would leave more funds available for investment in housing."

(LM/MH)