Ellie Ames 19 February 2024

Scotland’s public services ‘crumbling’

Scotland’s public services ‘crumbling’ image
Image: Ground Picture / Shutterstock.com

Scots have observed worsening poverty and public services are failing to address social problems, according to a new report.

Research by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) found that 81% of Scots believe poverty has worsened over the past five years, while 68% said communities are struggling because of failing public services.

The CSJ said Scotland’s public services are ‘crumbling’ and are too focussed on reacting to social problems rather than preventing them.

Scots are facing ‘in work poverty’, due to the temporary nature of work and a lack of opportunities to move beyond entry level jobs, and there has been a major increase in the number of children with mental health issues, the think-tank also found.

Liberal democrat MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton said: ‘These shocking polling figures reflect the reality at the front lines of our communities, where people are struggling to get the public services they are entitled to.

‘It’s often only thanks to those unsung charity heroes and volunteers, working above and beyond, that people are just about holding things together, but it’s not a sustainable solution.

‘We urgently need a new deal for our public services.’

Black hole spending review image

Black hole spending review

Jonathan Werran, chief executive of Localis, reflects on what the Spending Review means for local government.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Portage Worker - SEND and Inclusion

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235
Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 18 months Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 12 months   We are recruiting Portage Workers Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£34,314 - £37,938 (pre-progression) / £39,513 - £43,693 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed their assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First Service. WHAT IS INVO Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Receptionist

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 pro rata p.a. Grade 3 (£12.64 to £13.05 per hour)
Casual as and when required opportunity is available Spennymoor Leisure Centre. WHAT IS INVOLVED? In this role you will professionally welcome custom Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
2x Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant Vacancies Would you like to work with a group of wonderful children in order to help them to have a happy and sett Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711?pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5     £25,584 - £27,711?pro rata Full time, Term Time Only + 2 Weeks Temporary – required from 1st September 2025 un Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner