The MSP wants more funding for the CAB

"However, debt is escalating and is intrinsically linked to poverty.

"If the parliament is to achieve social justice in Scotland, we must be able to tackle the problems of debt.

"To tackle poverty we must raise incomes and maximise incomes particularly in families with children.

"Debt advice and money management can help people face up to their problems."

Deputy Social Justice Minister, Margaret Curran MSP, told the parliament the executive was working on a range of schemes aimed at tackling poverty, including a special telephone helpline which would provide free financial advice for those in debt.

Mrs Curran, the Labour MSP for Glasgow Bailleston, said: "The package of measures we have been developing will not only help prevent people getting into debt in the first place, but will enable those who do find themselves in financial difficulties to resolve those situations quickly."

The deputy minister said the executive was also working on setting up community-based credit unions and teaming up with banks to encourage payment by direct debit.

"Our aim is to make free, quality money advice available to everyone in Scotland wherever they live and whatever their income, whether they have the means to repay their debts or not," she said.