Dunfermline, Scotland — Recent research from the Carnegie UK Foundation highlights a troubling trend: the overall wellbeing of individuals in Scotland has not improved between 2023 and 2024. Based on two comprehensive surveys involving over 1,100 participants, the report underscores the need for coordinated efforts between the Scottish and UK governments to address growing inequalities and enhance the collective wellbeing of the population.
Key Findings of the Report
The Life in the UK Index, which evaluates wellbeing across social, environmental, economic, and democratic themes, reveals that Scotland, along with the rest of the UK, has shown no statistically significant improvement in any of its headline measures. This year’s index, produced in collaboration with Ipsos, marks the second year of this assessment.
A Picture of Inequality
Sarah Davidson, Chief Executive of Carnegie UK, expressed concern over the findings, stating, “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.” Despite Scotland’s performance being on par with the UK average, the stagnation in progress is alarming.
Demographics of Concern
The research identifies specific demographics suffering from particularly low levels of wellbeing, including:
- Individuals on lower incomes
- Disabled individuals
- Young adults aged 16 to 34
Significant figures from the survey highlight the pressing nature of these issues:
- 19% of the Scottish public reported feeling unsafe in their neighborhoods after dark.
- 31% indicated they could not afford an unexpected expense of £850.
- 15% of respondents reported struggling to keep their homes adequately warm.
Davidson criticized the current state of affairs: “In 2024, it is unacceptable that so many live in such precarious circumstances. While these problems won’t be solved overnight, it is the job of government to address them systematically and drive improvement.”
Trust in Government
The report also reveals a troubling pattern of distrust in political institutions. Conducted in May 2024, shortly after John Swinney’s appointment as First Minister, the survey found:
- 77% of respondents felt they could not influence UK decisions.
- 63% disagreed that they could influence decisions affecting Scotland.
- 60% expressed low trust in the UK Government, while 37% felt similarly about the Scottish Government.
Professor John Curtice, from the University of Strathclyde, noted the concerning levels of distrust, stating, “Across the UK, levels of trust and confidence in how we are governed are as low as they have ever been.”
A Call for Participatory Democracy
With the 25th anniversary of devolution in Scotland approaching, the Carnegie UK report urges a reevaluation of governance strategies. Davidson emphasized the need for more participative models of democracy, such as citizens’ juries and panels, to foster engagement and trust in political processes. “Our democratic wellbeing is in trouble. There’s a rift between the people and our politics at every level of our system,” she said.
Recommendations for Change
Carnegie UK advocates for:
- Enhanced collaboration between the Scottish and UK governments to measure and address factors that significantly affect people’s wellbeing.
- Implementation of initiatives aimed at regaining public trust in governance.
- Policies that prioritize the basic needs and concerns of the most vulnerable groups in society.
As Scotland reflects on a quarter-century of devolution, the findings from Carnegie UK serve as a crucial reminder of the ongoing challenges and the urgent need for action to improve the lives of its citizens.
