Commenting as Scottish Funding Council figures reveal they met 56% of colleges’ demand for additional funding for childcare and bursaries in 2009/10, Liberal Democrat Education spokesman Margaret Smith MSP said:

“Everyone knows demand for college places is up this year. That’s an inevitable consequence of the recession. At a time when unemployment among young people is as high as it has ever been, it is important for young people to learn new skills. It means they stand a better chance of getting work in the future. We are in serious danger of creating a lost generation of young people who are aimless, with no qualifications and no prospects.

“The increased demand for college places must be matched by an increase in student support. Many people can only afford to go to college if they have help with childcare or a bursary.

“That’s why we secured an extra £2m for hardship and childcare for Higher Education students.

“The Scottish Funding Council are hamstrung by a lack of forward planning from the Government. They must do more to get people working. College places and apprenticeships are an ideal way to do this.”