The wellbeing of people in Scotland is not improving, according to a new report. Research from charitable trust Carnegie UK said that life in Scotland did not improve between 2023 and 2024 for the average person.
Carnegie’s Life in the UK index measures the wellbeing of people by examining answers to questions across social, environmental, economic, and democratic themes. It was based on two surveys each of more than 1100 people.
The 2024 index was its second year and shows no significant improvement across any of its headline measures for people in Scotland. The report urges the governments in Edinburgh and London to work together to tackle inequality and boost the collective wellbeing of the people of Scotland.
Sarah Davidson, chief executive of Carnegie UK, said: “Our new report paints a picture of Scotland as a place where too many people don’t have their basic needs met and there’s widespread distrust of politics and government.
“While Scotland performs no worse than the rest of the UK, the situation isn’t improving. That’s why we’re urging governments in Edinburgh and London to measure the things that matter to people – like job opportunities and community safety. We then want policymakers to put this information about our wellbeing at the centre of their decisions.”
The research says people on lower incomes, disabled people and people between the ages of 16 and 34 have particularly low levels of wellbeing. It also found that a fifth of the Scottish public – 19 per cent – feel unsafe in their neighbourhood after dark, 31 per cent can’t afford an unexpected expense of £850 and 15 per cent can’t afford to keep their home adequately warm.
The 2024 polling also found widespread distrust in the UK’s political systems and institutions. Some 77 per cent of those questioned said they feel they cannot influence decisions that affect the UK. Some 63 per cent disagree that they can influence decisions affecting Scotland.
Three fifths of the Scottish public have low levels of trust in the UK Government, while 37 per cent have low levels of trust in the Scottish Government and about 31 per cent have low levels of trust in local authorities.
Strathclyde University polling guru John Curtice said: “Across the UK levels of trust and confidence in how we are governed are as low as they have ever been. And although those at Holyrood come out better than those at Westminster, there are still questions to be asked about how successful the devolution project has been in helping to improve people’s sense of involvement in their political process.
“Our politicians not only have to address the many policy challenges that face the country, but also persuade voters that they have its best interests at heart.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: “The Scottish Government is determined to improve the wellbeing of people across Scotland, which is why it is promoting Fair Work and investing £3 billion a year to tackle poverty and help people with the cost of living. This report will be given full consideration, as part of other actions to tackle inequality and support people through difficult economic times.”
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