On March 15, 2024, Scotland’s Budget Day at Holyrood will see critical decisions made about income tax, housing, education, and benefits. These announcements will significantly impact citizens across the nation, especially as the upcoming elections approach in just four months. BBC Scotland News engaged with voters to understand their priorities, revealing pressing concerns about the cost of living and the need for more government support.
Megan, a retail assistant from Airdrie in North Lanarkshire, expressed her urgent need for housing assistance. Facing eviction due to her landlord selling the property, she shared her anxiety about finding affordable private rental options. “It’s affecting my mental health, my confidence, feeling like I may not have anywhere to go or feeling like I’ll never be able to be independent,” she said. Megan advocates for increased government oversight and support for local councils to help those struggling to move out on their own.
Transportation costs are another challenge for Megan. She believes that improving public transport links to Glasgow city centre would provide some relief for individuals facing rising expenses.
Meanwhile, Alan, a 54-year-old from Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, highlighted the struggles of low-income earners. He has worked in the same retail company since he was 17 and, despite earning more than the National Minimum Wage, his household budget remains tight. Alan called on the Scottish government to adjust income tax bands to prevent low earners from being penalised for pay increases. He is also concerned about the NHS, citing recent reports of individuals waiting hours for ambulances.
Father-of-two Graham, based in Edinburgh, shared his experience of job insecurity last year when he faced redundancy. “It was a horrible time—especially with the cost of living so high,” he remarked. He believes that wealthier individuals should contribute more through taxes. “There’s far too much money in society now between a small group of people,” Graham stated, emphasizing that those with multiple properties should bear a greater tax burden. He also expressed concerns about the NHS and suggested that a fairer distribution of wealth could alleviate some of its pressures.
In contrast, Temi, a small business owner in Dunfermline, Fife, has successfully launched a grocery store but finds herself limited in expanding her ambitions. Having secured repayable grants and a 100% business rate reduction, she is eager to open a restaurant. However, she fears that additional property will entail unsustainable rates. “The Scottish government could look at providing a funding budget for councils to help small businesses,” Temi suggested, highlighting the need for better access to funding information for entrepreneurs.
Temi also criticized the government for not fully understanding the challenges faced by small business owners. “We need a proactive government that will listen to the actual reality of businesses. We can’t grow when we are trying to stay afloat,” she asserted.
These voices from different corners of Scotland underscore the urgency of addressing housing, healthcare, and support for small businesses in the upcoming budget. As the government prepares to unveil its plans, the impact of these decisions will resonate far beyond the walls of Holyrood, shaping the future of many citizens in the country.
