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The Herald Scotland
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Top concerns of Scots ahead of Holyrood election must be heeded
Health care, cost of living, poverty, the economy and, now, immigration - these are the top concerns amongst Scots and politicians should be ready to face all of these worries. Never underestimate the power of public opinion. This is a phrase which should be scrawled all over the walls of political party's campaign rooms ahead of Holyrood 2026. They should be memorising it, living it, breathing it. Without appealing to voters' concerns, political parties are nothing and they would do well in remembering that. It's fortunate there are studies out there to guide them. This month, the Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker, produced by the Diffley Partnership and David Hume Institute, polled 2,326 adults, aged 16 and over, across Scotland. It identified a shift in public concerns as well as rising economic unease. Politicians should be paying heed to this. READ MORE: Immigration ranked as a top concern for Scots, new report reveals Can Reform win the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election? Scottish by-election: Constituents deserve a race to be their MSP The latest survey found that healthcare and the cost of living remain by far the most pressing issues, cited by around a half (49%) and over a third (36%) of people, respectively. The next most cited issue is poverty (17%). However, for the first time since the tracker began in October 2021, immigration has joined the top five public concerns. It is now ranked as a top issue by 16% of Scots, drawing neck and neck with the economy which gained the same amount of percentage points. Amongst those living in the most deprived areas, it is 22%. Senior Research Manager at the Diffley Partnership, Scott Edgar, who led the survey design, told The Herald they have been tracking the topic of immigration for a long time and it's only gradually ticked up over the last 12 months or so. This concern has potentially been brushed away by political parties in Scotland as more of a hot topic for down South with small boats crossing the Channel. It still is, but this study shows it is now on the minds of more and more Scots. Then there's the incredibly pressing issue of economic uncertainty which has stood out in the latest findings. Of those polled, 70% of respondents say economic conditions have worsened compared to a year ago, and almost half (49%) say their own financial situation has deteriorated over the same period. Alarmingly, one in five people said they cannot cover a £100 emergency without borrowing money, a figure that jumps to 44% when considering a £500 expense. What's more, half of Scots report scaling back discretionary expenses, and nearly half are conserving energy at home. Scots are struggling and they are strongly questioning whether the answers lie with the current political establishment as the issue of trust in politicians is also on the rise. With Scotland's main political parties testing out their strategies for next year's parliamentary elections in the Hamilton, Stonehouse and Larkhall by-election right now, they have likely heard some if not all of these issues voiced on the doors. However, this report should sound alarm bells in the ranks of all of Scotland's political parties and shape what they are focusing on in terms of developing their policy platforms ahead of Holyrood 2026. Voters will be looking to Scotland's politicians to offer solutions which address the economic challenges they face, improve their healthcare, standard of living and, now, address the other rising concerns they have. They all better have good answers.
Scotsman
25-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Scots 'living on financial knife-edge' with many just one emergency bill away from crisis
A new study has found Scots are continuing to be impacted by the cost-of-living crisis with many struggling to meet emergency costs. Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Scots are continuing to live 'on a financial knife-edge' with many just one unexpected bill away from crisis, a new study has revealed. The research sheds light on the continuing cost-of-living crisis with a warning that 'few Scots can see any light at the end of the tunnel'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A new Scottish Government campaign is encouraging peopleto get the help they need and are entitled to. The alarm comes after inflation jumped to the highest level in more than a year. Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation soared to 3.5 per cent in April, up from 2.6 per cent in March and the highest rate since January 2024, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said. Higher costs hitting Scots In April, council tax bills soared across Scotland while ScotRail fares increased by 3.8 per cent. On Friday, Ofgem confirmed that household energy bills will fall by 7per cent from July. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The typical bill will drop by £129 to £1,720 per year when the regulator's new price cap – which sets the limit on how much firms can charge customers per unit of energy – comes into force. But new findings from the Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker highlight the precarious financial position of many Scots, revealing that significant numbers are just one unexpected bill away from crisis. Many would struggle to pay emergency bills The study by the Diffley Partnership on behalf of the David Hume Institute, found that one in five people, 22 per cent, cannot cover a £100 emergency expense without borrowing money with the figure doubling to 44 per cent for a £500 cost - demonstrating a widespread lack of financial resilience. The research also exposes how economic insecurity is affecting wellbeing and productivity, with 95 per cent of respondents saying that people are less effective at work when financial stress disrupts sleep or nutrition. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad READ MORE: Why the new Real Living Wage rate could boost Scottish Government coffers The latest research, which spoke to more than 2,000 Scots aged 16 or older in the first week of May, shows that one in four report having lost sleep due to concerns about money matters. The findings reveal strong public support for structural solutions with nine in 10 thinking employers have a responsibility to pay wages that meet people's basic needs. A total of 80 per cent said that failing to meet basic needs now will cost more in the long term while seven in 10 think there is a collective responsibility to maintain a safety net in tough times. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In Scotland, around 40 per cent of people on Universal Credit are in work. Scots split over solutions Since February, the number of Scots who think the cost-of-living and inflation is a priority has risen - up 2 percentage points to 36 per cent, behind healthcare and the NHS on 49 per cent, according to the study. There is less consensus around how to fund protections - with 39 per cent of respondents stating they would pay more in tax to ensure an effective social security safety net, while 38 per cent disagree. Scott Edgar, senior research manager, at the Diffley Partnership, said: 'This data shows that while some economic indicators may be stabilising, many people in Scotland are still living with significant financial uncertainty. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'These pressures don't exist in isolation, they can affect people's health, their ability to work, and their overall sense of security. It's important we understand the scale of the issue and the potential long-term impact on the economy and society.' Susan Murray from the David Hume Institute said: 'These findings confirm too many Scots continue to live on a financial knife-edge. 'When people lack the means to absorb even small shocks, it doesn't just harm their wellbeing, it undermines our collective economic potential. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'A resilient economy needs more financially secure households. The majority of the public clearly understands this connection with strong support for fair wages and a robust safety net. 'Sadly despite some economic indicators beginning to change, few Scots can see any light at the end of the tunnel.' Energy support on the rise Citizens Advice Scotland were contacted by more than 4,000 people in the first three months of 2025 looking for advice on fuel vouchers and energy trust finds. Two fifths of people who contacted the organisation for energy-related issues asked for advice on this kind of emergency support. Nationally, domestic gas use fell by 12.7% in 2022. Picture: PA. People seeking advice from Citizens Advice Scotland had an average energy debt of £2,500 while the average energy debt in rural Scotland is more than £3,100. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad An additional 1,100 people sought advice about getting discretionary credit for their prepayment meters. Emma Jackson, head of social justice at Citizens Advice Scotland, said the polling 'echoes the evidence and insight we see from our advisers across all corners of Scotland'. She added: 'People are experiencing real harm with many living with constant dread and worry because of the financial situations they've been forced to live with. "It's encouraging to see a high level of support for our collective responsibility to maintain a safety net. Now we need action. If we're to see the changes to social security required to ensure dignity, fairness and respect for everyone, we need urgent action from politicians." Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad SNP ministers blamed Scottish Conservative shadow secretary for finance and local government, Craig Hoy, said: 'It comes as no surprise that Scots are losing sleep over money worries, given the nightmare pressures piled on them by this SNP government. MSP Craig Hoy led the debate last week 'It's not just that they face the highest income tax rates in the UK. It's that the SNP's policies on energy and net zero, their failure to tackle waste, and their regulations on everything from rent to minimum unit pricing and heat pumps to LEZs, have piled additional costs on household budgets. 'More and more people also feel pressure to pay for services that, under the SNP, are no longer available or will have unacceptable waiting times. Meanwhile, the UK government is flatlining the economy and imposing their own cuts agenda. 'Scottish households want to keep more of their hard-earned income, to see public services run responsibly, and to get value for money for their taxes. But with two left-wing governments, they are likely to face more anxiety and sleepless nights.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Efforts 'undermined' by Westminster A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'We continue to allocate over £3 billion a year to policies which tackle poverty and the cost of living. READ MORE: The damning level of winter energy debt revealed in briefing to Scottish Parliament 'Additionally, we will allocate over £15m to support advice services such as Citizens' Advice Scotland, StepChange and others to provide vital support to those with money worries and debt. We are also encouraging public bodies to promote empathy and dignity for people struggling with debt, and our Housing Bill will improve renter's rights. 'The Scottish Budget for 2025-26 prioritises action to eradicate child poverty, including through investment in breakfast clubs, employability services and developing the systems needed to effectively scrap the impact of the two-child cap in 2026. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Energy debt is at an all-time high and we continue to call on the UK government to deliver a social tariff in the form of an automatic and targeted discount on energy bills.
Scotsman
25-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
The silent crisis undermining our economy
Nearly half of all Scots report their financial situation has deteriorated over the past year Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Economic debate in Scotland is dominated by discussion on growth figures, inflation targets, and productivity metrics but one critical issue is often overlooked: the growing tide offinancial precarity engulfing ordinary people. PA The Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker shines a light on the people behind the economic numbers and it paints a sobering picture. Despite marginal improvements in the economy's headline indicators, the lived reality for many Scots is worsening. This disconnect is not just a social tragedy; it is an economic time bomb. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Nearly half of all Scots report their financial situation has deteriorated over the past year. Even more alarming is the fragility beneath these numbers: 44 per cent could not cover a £500 emergency without borrowing. For households with children, that figure rises to a staggering 59 per cent. Financial insecurity on this scale is not a peripheral issue. It is the undercurrent shaping consumer behaviour, health outcomes and ultimately, the long-term prosperity of the nation. The economic impact is multifaceted. First, there's the immediate drag on consumption. Half of Scots continue to cut back on non-essential spending and energy use. Retail, hospitality, entertainment - sectors that rely on discretionary income - are facing the realisation that spending patterns are not going to return previous levels. A consumer economy cannot thrive when so many are relying on overdrafts and credit to survive day to day. There's the deeper cost to human capital. Financial stress is eroding wellbeing: sleep is lost, mental health deteriorates, diets worsen. According to the Tracker, women, young people and ethnic minorities are bearing the brunt. These are not only health statistics - they are economic liabilities. A stressed and undernourished workforce is a less productive one. When 95 per cent of respondents agree that people are less effective at work when they're not eating or sleeping well, we must ask: how long can we afford to ignore this? Moreover, financial precarity is stalling economic mobility. Nearly half of respondents are not confident they could secure a new job within three months. This lack of mobility dampens innovation, reinforces inequality and inhibits the dynamism modern economies rely on. It also reduces resilience: when people can't afford to take risks, fewer start businesses, retrain or relocate for opportunity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad And here lies the real risk: financial precarity is no longer a marginal issue affecting only a small number of the very poorest in our society. It is systemic. It is creeping up the income ladder, hollowing out stability and feeding the growing pessimism about the country's direction. The idea of growth leading to a trickle-down of wealth is far from people's lived reality. With 70% of Scots expecting economic conditions to worsen, confidence - a vital economic lubricant - is drying up. The remedy is not a singular policy but a shift in priorities. It begins with recognising financial security not just as a social good but as an economic imperative. That means raising wages to meet basic needs, strengthening the social safety net, and ensuring access to affordable essentials like housing and childcare. Economic growth built on unstable foundations will always be vulnerable to the next crisis in the road ahead. Until we treat financial precarity as the core threat it is, we risk just talking about a recovery that never truly arrives.
Scotsman
25-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Why reducing cost of living is vital in seeing off hard-right Reform threat
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... According to a new survey, 22 per cent of respondents would need to borrow money to cover a £100 emergency expense and double that proportion would be unable to cover a £500 cost. The figures underline how many people are only just getting by as the high cost of living continues to cause real problems. No doubt some could be more careful with their money, but the Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker also found one in four reported losing sleep over their finances, so they hardly sound like carefree spendthrifts. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad When times are tough and governments offer little hope of making them better, people have a tendency to send a signal to their political masters by registering a protest vote. Therefore, Reform UK have reasons to be optimistic about their chances of doing well in the looming Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election. Support for Nigel Farage's Reform UK party has risen sharply since last year's general election (Picture: Oli Scarff) | AFP via Getty Images 'Blatantly racist' As we report today, Nigel Farage's party is outspending all the other main political parties put together with an advertising blitz on Facebook and other Meta platforms. Its deputy leader, Richard Tice, has claimed the election is now a 'two-horse race' between Reform and the SNP. This is an assessment that Labour would most certainly dispute and which has been undermined by Reform's appalling social media attack ad on Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, which ridiculously claimed he would 'prioritise the Pakistani community' and which a Labour spokesperson described as 'blatantly racist'. If Labour were not in the running, Reform would have no need to spend money on the advert and would target their vitriol elsewhere. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hopefully, the good people of Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse will send a message to Reform about this kind of campaigning. And if they are considering backing the party as a form of protest, we hope they think again. Adding to the party's current political momentum could lead this country into a particularly dark place.
