Welcoming the Findings of Carnegie UK’s Life in the UK Index 2025

That the Parliament welcomes the findings of Carnegie UK’s Life in the UK Index 2025, which shows that the wellbeing of people in Scotland has improved over the last two years; notes the positive developments reported, including that more people are able to afford to heat their homes properly, improved mental health outcomes and increased accessibility of holidays; further notes that this marks the first time since the index began in 2023 that overall wellbeing levels in Scotland have exceeded the UK average; recognises, however, that significant challenges remain, with people in social housing and those living with disabilities more likely than others to experience economic hardship, and with almost one third of respondents expressing dissatisfaction with local job opportunities; is concerned at the low levels of public trust in government at all levels, and at the fact that reported increases in democratic wellbeing seen in England were not mirrored in Scotland, and hopes that politicians of all parties will work to strengthen engagement with, and the understanding of, the needs and aspirations of people across Scotland.