Trust in Scottish Government falls to lowest level recorded in survey

Trust in the Scottish Government to work in Scotland's best interests has fallen to the lowest level recorded since a regular survey of public opinion began.

The Scottish Social Attitudes Survey has run in most years since the beginning of the devolution era in 1999, with its core module asking a representative sample the same questions each year.

Results from the 2023 survey, conducted in September and October last year, show the percentage who said they trust the Scottish Government "just about always" or "most of the time" fell to 47% - down from 61% in 2019, the last time a comparable survey was conducted.

Trust in UK Government

Trust in the UK Government to work in Scotland's best interests remained lower than the figure for the Edinburgh administration, as it has done since the start of the survey series.

However trust in the UK Government had increased from the 2019 figure, going from 15% then to 21% in 2023.

Further analysis found trust in the Scottish Government tends to be higher among younger people, those who support Scottish independence and those on the left of the political spectrum.

Older people and those with the opposite views tended to be more trusting of the UK Government.

The weighted sample of 1,574 people aged over 16 in Scotland were also asked how good each Government is at listening to the public before making decisions.

The percentage of people who thought the Scottish Government was "very good" or "quite good" at listening to people's views before taking decisions fell from 51% in 2019 to 35% in 2023. It has declined from its peak of 59% in 2015.

The equivalent figure for the UK Government also fell, going from 15% in 2019 to 12% in 2023.

Respondents were also asked whether they think the Scottish Parliament is giving ordinary people more or less say in how the country is governed.

Some 45% said it gives "more say", while 38% said it makes "no difference" and 14% said it gives "less say".

Improving economy ranked as top priority

Asked what the Scottish Government's top priority should be, "improving the economy" emerged as by far the most popular issue at 45%.

There was a marked decrease in satisfaction in the running of the NHS, with this falling into negative territory for the first time since 2005.

Some 52% were dissatisfied with the health service while 23% were satisfied.

The report, produced by ScotCen for the Scottish Government, noted: "This is the first year since 2005 where more people were dissatisfied than satisfied with the way the NHS runs.

"This represents the lowest level for satisfaction and highest level for dissatisfaction since the time series began in 1999."

The 2023 Scottish Social Attitudes Survey was the first time the study had been conducted on a "push to web" basis, with respondents invited by letter to fill out an online form. It was nevertheless considered to have robust methodology.

'Utterly damning'

Commenting on the results, Scottish Labour deputy leader Dame Jackie Baillie said: "This is an utterly damning indictment of the Tories and the SNP's records in Government.

"People across Scotland have been failed by two dysfunctional governments - a Tory government that caused economic turmoil and an SNP Government that has led our NHS to breaking point.

"Scotland cannot keep paying the price for Government failure.

"Labour has got rid of the Tory government and started the process of delivering change across the UK, but with trust in the SNP Government at a record low it's clear we need change in Scotland too."

Scottish Government response

The Scottish Government pointed to the survey's findings on the redistribution of wealth, with 50% saying ministers should redistribute income to the least well-off.

Parliamentary business minister Jamie Hepburn said: "The survey demonstrates continued support for the redistribution of wealth and an increasing desire among people to see the economy grow.

"This aligns with the Scottish Government's commitments and how we are working hard to provide support to those who need it most.

"Examples include investing nearly £678 million in Scottish child payments as part of our commitment to eradicating child poverty. This investment - made by March this year - has helped reduce financial pressures on the families of more than 329,000 children.

"The survey - which will be studied closely - also shows broad backing for our priorities of growing a thriving economy, ensuring sustainable and excellent public services, and tackling the climate emergency.

"To that end, we are providing more than £19.5 billion for health and social care, £14 billion for local councils and £4.7 billion for activities that will positively impact delivery of our climate goals.

"People here also have access to benefits such as free prescriptions and free higher education."

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