Public services, welfare, jobs and pay – those are they key elections concerns of Scots, says a new Survation opinion poll commissioned by UNISON Scotland.
And it is public services which are the number one concern for most Scottish voters.
The poll also showed a clear preference on who should deliver those services.
Half of respondents believe that “public sector organisations (such as local councils and the NHS)” deliver the best quality public services.This compares to only 16% who believe that “charities and social enterprises (such as co-operatives)”, and 14% who believe “private sector organisations (such as businesses)” deliver the best quality public services.
They were also clear about their spending priorities.
If the next government was to raise £2bn by cracking down on tax avoidance, 58% of respondents believe that the money should be spent on improving public services, compared to 19% who think it should be spent on reducing public borrowing, and 17% who think that it should be used on income tax cuts.
“This poll shows that UNISON is right to focus its general election campaign on public services, jobs and fair pay,” says UNISON Scotland convenor Lilian Macer.
“We are reflecting the views of people across Scotland, with almost six in 10 saying public services are their number one issue in this general election.
“And two fifths of voters say wages and jobs are also priority issues for them.’
“We were also very encouraged to see that people agree with UNISON if a company wins a government funded contract. it should have to pay the living wage.”
UNISON Scotland secretary Mike Kirby added: “We found this poll hugely encouraging.
“People seem to understand that public services not only support our most vulnerable people, they help grow the economy and contribute to ending poverty and low pay – something the Chancellor missed in his Budget yesterday, that continues his failed austerity economics in Scotland.
“This is a public services election. The result really matters.
“We are asking that people think carefully before they vote and vote for public services, jobs and fair pay.”