CAS chief executive Derek Mitchell said the proposed cut would lead to the loss of at least 25 staff in 15 bureaux across the country and thought the actual figure would be “significantly higher”.

He wrote that following the announcement of the cut he had contacted Jamie Hepburn, minister for business, fair work and skills.

Mr Mitchell was told the funding decision would not be reversed.

Willie Rennie, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said: “These Scottish government cuts pose a direct threat to services which people desperately rely upon for sound, free and independent advice.

“Housing, employment law and benefits can be enormously complex and Citizens Advice services are vital to helping people navigate such processes. The loss of dozens of staff would be devastating.

“The minister has shown casual indifference to the fate of the [bureaux]. When it comes to protecting services which help people in difficult situations, he has proven himself to be no better than the Conservatives. The first minister should … reverse these cuts.”