The wellbeing of people in Scotland has not seen any improvement over the past year, a new report has found. Research conducted by the charitable trust Carnegie UK revealed that life in Scotland stayed stagnant between 2023 and 2024 for the average person. The Carnegie Life in the UK index assesses people’s wellbeing by analysing responses to questions revolving around social, environmental, economic, and democratic aspects. This year’s index, the second of its kind, showed no notable enhancements across any of its main indicators for individuals in Scotland. The report calls for the governments in Edinburgh and London to collaborate in addressing inequality and enhancing the overall wellbeing of the Scottish population.
Sarah Davidson, the chief executive of Carnegie UK, expressed concern, stating, “Our new report presents a Scotland where many individuals still lack access to basic necessities, and there is a prevailing distrust towards politics and the government.” Despite Scotland not performing worse than the rest of the UK, the report highlights the lack of progress. The research identifies that individuals on lower incomes, disabled individuals, and those aged between 16 to 34 experience notably lower levels of wellbeing. Additionally, findings revealed that 19 per cent of the Scottish public feel unsafe in their neighbourhood after dark, 31 per cent cannot afford an unexpected expense of £850, and 15 per cent struggle to keep their homes adequately warm.
The report also unveiled a general distrust in the UK’s political systems and institutions, with 77 per cent of respondents feeling incapable of influencing decisions affecting the UK and 63 per cent disagreeing that they can influence decisions concerning Scotland. Trust levels towards the UK Government were low, with three-fifths of the Scottish public displaying low trust, alongside 37 per cent and 31 per cent having low trust in the Scottish Government and local authorities, respectively. Political analyst John Curtice from Strathclyde University highlighted the historic low levels of trust and confidence in governance across the UK, stressing the need for politicians to address policy challenges and regain public trust.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government emphasised their commitment to improving the wellbeing of individuals in Scotland through initiatives promoting Fair Work and substantial investments to combat poverty and alleviate living costs. The government assured that the report’s findings will be thoroughly reviewed as part of broader actions aimed at reducing inequality and supporting the population during challenging economic periods.
In conclusion, the report by Carnegie UK underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts between policymakers in Edinburgh and London to address existing inequalities and enhance the overall wellbeing of the people of Scotland. It sheds light on the areas requiring immediate attention, such as job opportunities, community safety, and affordability, to uplift the quality of life for individuals across the country.