COST OF LIVING TOP CONCERN FOR SCOTTISH VOTERS

May 6th 2022

COST OF LIVING TOP CONCERN FOR SCOTTISH VOTERS

May 6th 2022

New trade union research puts cost of living crisis over constitution

The cost-of-living crisis is the dominant issue influencing Scottish voters at the local government elections according to new trade union research.

A snap poll from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and Opinium shows the cost of living was the top issue for 75% of the Scottish electorate when casting their ballot yesterday. This was followed by 60% citing the NHS as their primary concern, with public services (21%), housing (15%), Brexit (20%) and the environment (19%) all taking voter preference over the constitution (14%).

The news has been cited as a ‘wake-up call’ from the Scottish Trades Union Congress leader Roz Foyer. Ms Foyer, who last week announced a specific cost of living crisis summit will be held on June 17th in Scotland by the STUC and the Poverty Alliance, said:

“These elections should be a wake-up call to all levels of government – local, Scottish and UK – that workers throughout the country need urgent and sustained help in the face of this brutal attack on their living standards.

“By far and away, with 75% of the electorate in Scotland citing the cost of living crisis as their top concern, with health, housing and the environment their taking preference over the constitution, all incoming councillors must make this their most urgent priority.

“Our local government manifesto made clear we need sustained investment from the Scottish Government to local authorities throughout the country, helping to deliver a real terms pay increase for our public sector workers. This is in addition to delivering on rent freezes, settling equal pay disputes and introducing universal free school meals throughout the country.

“This is the type of real terms action we need from councillors and government throughout Scotland. Our movement, with affiliates currently balloting for industrial action across the country, are not standing idle whilst workers face this material threat to their living conditions.