Benefit cut spells homeless Christmas for thousands of young Scots

The charity said 4,000 people between 25 and 34 will be around £2,800 worse off per year and face an uncertain future as a result of the Westminster government's austerity plan.

Chief executive Margaret Lynch warned: "Thousands of Scots are faced with a difficult choice between trying to find very limited alternative accommodation and trying to make up the shortfall in their rent through other benefits.

"For many, neither option is tenable. Some therefore face rent arrears and possible homelessness.

"This is not a theoretical projection of something that may happen in the future. This cut has been in place now for nearly a year, and our report shows real case evidence."

A Department for Work and Pensions spokeswoman said: "Our housing benefit reforms will ensure that benefit claimants face the same choices about their housing that everyone else faces."

But an SNP spokesman said that the Westminster coalition was "fooling absolutely nobody."

He told the Star: "The fact of the matter is that their actions will see thousands of people in Scotland end up substantially worse off."