Scotland's Economy

Finding a way to a healthier, fairer Scotland

October 8, 2015 by Sir Harry Burns No Comments | Category Uncategorized

Scotland is a wealthy nation with great potential. We have extensive natural resources but our greatest assets are our people. We produce world-leading scientists, writers, artists and business leaders – but deep inequalities exist in our society.

These inequalities can be measured in various ways, and are reflected in wide disparities in income, educational attainment, offending behaviour and health and wellbeing.

People from socially and economically poor backgrounds are more likely to have health problems and lower life expectancy than more affluent individuals.

They are less likely to do well at school and they gain fewer qualifications. They are less likely to get well paid jobs. They are often less likely to participate in society through volunteering, voting etc.

We also see limited social mobility across generations – meaning that if you are born into a low-income family, you are more likely to have a low income in adult life.

Reducing inequality is a moral imperative.

It is also clear that giving everyone an equal opportunity to contribute their skills and abilities will secure sustainable economic growth and benefit the whole of our society through supporting long term prosperity. Growth in which all share is not only morally important but a growing number of economists argue that austerity is damaging prospects for long term economic recovery.

Societies in which economic growth is distributed fairly are healthier, have longer life expectancy, lower crime rates, lower rates of substance misuse and better educational outcomes. Inclusive growth is about harnessing our economic potential in a way that increases productivity while also producing a healthier society in which the benefits of growth are shared by all.

It is an ambitious and challenging agenda and the problems will not be solved overnight.

Achieving these goals requires an approach across the whole of society and a committed Government to pursue key policy initiatives that grow the economy and ensure equal opportunities for all.

This programme must include investment in early years and childcare provision, investment in education and skills, and tackling attainment gaps.

Families need access to affordable housing and young people need access to meaningful, good quality jobs and opportunities.

The Scottish Government published their Economic Strategy, putting tackling inequality and boosting competitiveness at the heart of its agenda.

Their commitment is demonstrated by recent actions to: Increase the level of funded early learning and childcare; establish the Fair Work Convention; establish the Scottish Business Pledge; take action to improve educational attainment; invest in affordable housing.

We need to ensure that we continue to focus on these real challenges. By providing early years support, by investing in education and skills and by removing barriers to participation, I am optimistic that we can create the conditions for a more productive and inclusive economy.

A wealthier, fairer Scotland will be also be a healthier home for us all.

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