YOUNG people are being forced to live on the breadline because Preston job centre denies them information.

Research carried out by Lancashire County Council's Welfare Rights Service shows a number of youths are not being given hardship claim forms - and may be suffering financially.

County Councillor Frank McKenna, Chairman of the Welfare Rights and Anti-Poverty Sub-Committee expressed his concern at the situation affecting 16 and 17-year-olds - most of whom are waiting for places on training schemes - at job centres all over Lancashire.

"It seems young people are going into job centres and when they ask for forms they are refused.

"We are writing to the employment services and are expecting a very quick change of policy," added Mr McKenna.

Most of the youths concerned live independently or live at home with their parents who are on low income or benefits.

Last December 800 young people in Lancashire were identified as having no work or training and were given surveys. Of 80 who responded, 21 had been refused income support claim forms.

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