The life of the average Scot has not improved in the last year, according to new research from a charitable trust.

A new report based on research from Carnegie UK calls for governments in Edinburgh and London to work together to tackle inequality and improve the collective wellbeing of Scotland’s population.

The paper also argues that the Scottish Government should roll out initiatives such as citizens’ juries to regain trust in politics.

Carnegie’s Life in the UK Index measures the well-being of the UK population by examining responses to questions on social, environmental, economic and democratic themes.

The 2024 index – produced with Ipsos – now in its second year shows no statistically significant improvement in any of its main measures for people in Scotland, as in the rest of the UK.

Sarah Davidson, chief executive of Carnegie UK, said: “Our new report paints a picture of Scotland as a place where too many people do not have their basic needs met and where there is widespread distrust of politics. and government.

“While Scotland’s results are no worse than the rest of the UK, the situation is not improving.

“That’s why we’re urging the governments in Edinburgh and London to measure the things that matter to people, like job opportunities and community safety.

“We then want policy makers to put this information about our well-being at the center of their decisions. »

For the second year in a row, the research identifies groups in society with particularly low levels of well-being.

These include people on low incomes, people with disabilities and people aged 16 to 34.

The survey also found that a fifth of Scots (19%) do not feel safe in their neighborhood after dark, three in 10 (31%) cannot afford an unexpected £850 expense and 15% cannot afford to keep their home. hot enough.

Ms Davidson continued: “Two years in a row our research shows high levels of inequality in Scottish society, with worrying numbers of people reporting they cannot afford to heat their home, meet an unexpected expense or to feel safe in their neighborhood.

“In 2024, it is unacceptable that so many people are living in such precarious conditions.

“While these issues will not be resolved overnight, it is the government’s responsibility to systematically address them and drive improvements.

“Scotland was once a world leader in public policy on wellbeing – the Scottish Government must regain lost ground. »

The research, carried out among more than 1,000 people in Scotland, also revealed widespread distrust of the UK’s political systems and institutions.

The study reveals that almost three quarters (77%) of Scots believe they cannot influence decisions affecting the UK, while around three fifths (63%) do not believe they can influence decisions affecting Scotland.

Sir John Curtice, professor of political practice at the University of Strathclyde, said: “In the UK, levels of trust in the way we are governed are as low as they have ever been.

“And even if those at Holyrood are doing better than those at Westminster, questions remain about the success of the devolution project in improving citizens’ sense of involvement in their political process.

“Our politicians must not only address the many political challenges facing the country, but also persuade voters that they have their best interests at heart. »

Sarah Davidson added: “After a quarter of a century of devolution, only a minority of Scots feel they have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.

“Our democratic well-being is in trouble. There is a gap between the people and our politicians at every level of our system.

“To tackle this problem, we are advocating for Scottish governments and policymakers to introduce more participatory models of democracy, such as juries and citizens’ panels.

“Our research shows that if these initiatives are well designed, they can build trust while lending legitimacy to government action. »

A UK government spokesperson said: “Tackling poverty is at the heart of the UK government’s growth mission.

“That’s why we created the Child Poverty Task Force and are readjusting our relationship with the Scottish Government to work together to improve living standards.

“We also announced the biggest improvement in workers’ rights in a generation, raised the minimum wage and ended zero-hours contracts that exploited workers.

“Last week the Chancellor announced a record £47.7 billion settlement for the Scottish Government in 2025/26, including £3.4 billion via the Barnett Formula.

“We urge the Scottish Government to ensure money reaches frontline services, reduce NHS waiting lists and improve outcomes in our schools.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government is committed to improving the well-being of people across Scotland, which is why it promotes fair work and invests £3 billion a year to fight against poverty and helping people cope with the cost of living.

“This report will be taken fully into consideration, as part of other actions to tackle inequality and support people in difficult economic times. »

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