Independent Scottish economic think-tank at the University of Strathclyde
UK ministers are pushing new schemes to tackle Neet levels as government-backed opportunities expand. Reports show over a million young people are economically inactive, with work schemes at Boots and new guarantees shaping the debate.
Audit Scotland shows a collective 35.6m deficit for Scotland7s 19 colleges in 2024/25, up from 31.9m. Real-terms funding remains 7.5% below 2021, with more colleges relying on short-term SFC loans. Audits warn reform is overdue while government and agencies act slowly.