Tackling poverty and inequality is Scots’ top concern, says survey
Tackling poverty and inequality is a key concern for Scots – though those living in the least deprived areas are more likely to be worried about the economy.
Just over a third of people (34 per cent) described dealing with the problem of poverty and inequality as the top issue of concern facing Scotland right now – compared to 26 per cent who cited the economy.
But the first ever Understanding Scotland survey found that among those living in the most deprived neighbourhoods, 38 per cent were concerned about poverty and inequality – with less than a fifth (19 per cent) worried about the economy.
By contrast, in the least deprived areas the economy was listed as a top concern by 34 per cent.
More than 2,000 people across Scotland were questioned for the survey, which has been launched by the research company Diffley Partnership and communications agency Charlotte Street Partners.
It plans to provide quarterly research looking at public attitudes, behaviours and expectations on issues such as society, the economy, and the environment in Scotland.
Its first poll found that the NHS is Scotland's most trusted institution with almost a fifth (19 per cent) saying they trusted it "entirely" and nearly three quarters of people (72 per cent) giving the service a trust score of seven out of ten or higher.
Meanwhile the research found that "the Government and the political system more broadly, were among the least trusted institutions overall".
According to the study, 20 per cent of the Scottish population report that they do not trust the Government at all, compared to only 3 per cent who trust it entirely – with similarly 20 per cent saying they trust the political system and only 2 per cent who trust it entirely.
When asked if Scotland was "heading in the right direction" people were evenly split, with 43 per cent saying it was and the same proportion stating it is not, while 14 per cent were undecided.
"The country is split down the middle on the question of whether Scotland is heading in the right or wrong direction. Excluding those who are unsure, there is a 50:50 split in public opinion."