Nearly half of Scottish voters say healthcare is one of the most important issues facing Scotland, followed closely by the cost of living, according to the latest Understanding Scotland Economy Tracker.
The final wave of the survey before the May election, published by the Diffley Partnership and the David Hume Institute, found around half (48%) of Scots say that healthcare and NHS is a top priority, while more than two in five (43%) said the cost of living and inflation, the biggest rise in concern this wave, up five points.
Almost one in four (23%) name immigration as a top issue.
A second tier of concerns remains steady: around one in five (18%) mention poverty and inequality, and the same proportion (18%) cite the economy more broadly. Around one in seven (15%) point to trust in politics, while around one in eight (13%) identify housing.
Economic pessimism eases — but pressure remains
While concern remains high, economic sentiment has improved modestly:
- Around three in five (62%) of those that express an opinion say the economy has worsened over the past year, down seven points since November.
- Two in five (41%) say their personal finances have deteriorated, down six points.
- Two in three (66%) expect economic conditions to worsen in the year ahead, down from nearly three in four (73%) previously.
Yet financial strain is still widespread:
- Just over one in two (52%) report that they have recently cut non-essential spending
- One in two (50%) have reduced leisure spending
- Almost two in five (39%) have dipped into savings
- Three in ten (31%) say money worries are affecting their mental health
Looking ahead, essential costs continue to weigh heavily:
- About seven in ten (69%) expect higher utility bills
- One in two (50%) expect to spend more on food and drink
- Around one in two (49%) foresee higher housing costs
The data also points to deep scepticism about the economic system itself:
- One in fourteen (7%) believe the economy works for most people
- Just one in twelve (8%) think it works for them personally
- Seven in ten (71%) believe it primarily works in the interests of the wealthy
As the election campaign begins, the picture is clear: voters remain under sustained financial pressure and deeply concerned about core public services, but with a cautious sense that the economic outlook may be stabilising.
Scott Edgar, Senior Research Manager, The Diffley Partnership, commented:
“As we move into the election campaign, voters are sending a very clear signal: the NHS and the cost of living will define this contest. Even though pessimism about the economy has eased slightly, people are still feeling real pressure in their day‑to‑day lives. Any party seeking to win trust in May will have to demonstrate not only that they understand these pressures, but that they have credible plans to address them.”
Susan Murray, Director, David Hume Institute, commented:
“There are tentative signs of improving economic sentiment, but confidence in the system itself remains strikingly low. Very few people believe the economy works for them — or for most people.”
“The challenge for policymakers is not only easing immediate pressures, but rebuilding faith that Scotland’s economic model delivers fairness and opportunity more widely.”
The full report can be found here: https://diffleypartnership.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Understanding-Scotland-Report-Wave-18-FINAL.pdf
