In response to the Scottish Government’s Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13, CAS submitted written evidence to the following Scottish Parliament committees:
- Finance Committee
- Local Government and Regeneration Committee
- Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee
- Justice Committee
CAS also gave oral evidence to the Local Government and Regeneration Committee and Justice Committee.
Our submissions express concern that a reduction in income for councils across Scotland will have a significant impact on public service provision, including that of advice services, and lead to tough choices for local authorities over where resources should be prioritised.
CAS is also concerned the Spending Review has not taken due consideration of the effects of UK welfare reform changes which will take £2 billion out of the economy of Scotland by 2014-15 and have a major impact on the people, services, and economy of Scotland.
CAS is concerned that cuts in funding for advice provision will lead to delays in accessing advice, or to people not receiving the advice that they desperately require, at the same time as welfare changes and cuts in services will increase demand for advice provision.
