Understanding Scotland – Economy May 2024

We are delighted to have published the latest in our Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker series in partnership with David Hume Institute this morning.

With a general election now announced for 4 July our latest research finds that healthcare and the cost of living continue to dominate the priorities of Scots.

The latest survey from the Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker series shows that more than half (52%) of Scots cite healthcare and the NHS among the top three issues facing Scotland today, with four-in-ten (40%) identifying the cost of living and inflation as a key issue.

A host of other issues remain important, including poverty/inequality, trust in politics, the economy, education and housing. These are regularly identified as major issues by upwards of 15% or more of Scots.

However, there are notable changes in prioritisation among these issues, with emphasis on trust in politics rising two percentage points to 18% and emphasis on the economy falling two percentage points to 17%.

The constitution and devolution is reported as a top issue by only 7% of Scots participating in the latest research, carried out earlier this month.

Understanding Scotland is a quarterly survey tool measuring the most important facets of our lives and decision-making in Scotland: our society, economy, and environment.

You can read the report here: Understanding Scotland Report Wave 11 (understanding-scotland.co.uk)