Jackie Baillie MSP has called on the Scottish Government to reverse cuts to legal aid services as it is revealed that a range of anti-poverty services delivered by Citizens Advice Scotland are under threat thanks to proposed cuts in the Scottish budget.

A potential cut from the Scottish Legal Aid Board of £626,717 will threaten a range of services such as debt and welfare advice.

These cuts would have a direct impact on the loss of at least 25 staff positions in 15 CABs including, Argyll and Bute.

Jackie said:

“The Scottish Government has presented a budget which gives Scottish Ministers a tax cut of £140 at the same time as slashing funding for services like these. Services that help the poorest people the most.

“The cuts will effect CAB services across the country, including the CAB in Argyll and Bute and will risk 25 jobs across Scotland.

“It is crucial that the government reverses these cuts at Stage 3 of the budget to ensure that the most vulnerable people can access help when they need it.”