Public Confidence in the Economy - February 2011

On the eve of the UK budget and 6 weeks out from the Holyrood elections, latest data from Ipsos Scotland reveals that economic confidence remains low, although levels of optimism in the Scottish economy are marginally improved from November 2010. More than half of Scots still think that the Scottish economy will worsen in the year ahead, compared to 18% who think it will improve, a net optimism of -37%. This figure is improved by 6-points from November 2010 when it stood at -43%. The economy remains the dominant issue of concern for Scots with over a third (36%) mentioning it spontaneously as an important issue. Key public services, education and the NHS, are concerns of significance for Scots (mentioned by 30% and 21% respectively) and we expect mentions of these issues to increase in the run-up to the May election. For more information, contact Mark Diffley on 0131 220 5699 Download the full report (PDF)