Priorities for UK Government laid bare in new official statistics

Around a fifth of adults found it difficult to manage financially in the last month while about two thirds of people believe that they do not have any say in what the UK government does, a new ONS update shows.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has today (8 August) updated their UK Measures of National Well-being Dashboard, a collection of statistics that measures quality of life in the UK.

Carnegie UK – a charity focused on improving wellbeing – says that that these figures clearly show many of the major problems that the UK and its people face.

Sarah Davidson, chief executive of Carnegie UK, said: “Priorities for the new UK Government are laid bare in these statistics. The figures show a shocking proportion of people finding it too difficult to make ends meet and extremely high levels of distrust in government.

“New Ministers and their advisers must connect the picture painted by these statistics to their agenda for change. Labour’s mission-led approach to government can only be judged a success if figures like these show improved wellbeing of people in the UK.

“While a thriving economy is important, GDP alone cannot guide government policy.”

The statistical update also shows that four in five people are satisfied with their local area as a place to live, but only about half of adults agreeing that they belong to their neighbourhood.

Sarah Davidson said: “I condemn the despicable violence we’ve seen on UK streets since the Southport tragedy. Racism and Islamophobia have no place in our country and like many others I’ve been shocked and appalled by recent scenes.

“These events will create deep wounds in many communities that will take time and resources to heal. These figures reveal a mixed picture in terms of social cohesion even before this unrest. While the police and courts have a crucial role to play at present, the recovery from recent events will require all spheres of government to work in partnership with local communities.”

ENDS  

Notes to editors

• Carnegie UK’s purpose is better wellbeing for people in the UK and Ireland. We are a charitable foundation set up over 100 years ago, based in Dunfermline and established with an endowment from Andrew Carnegie. Read more about the organisation: www.carnegieuktrust.org.uk
• Carnegie UK produces the largest independent study of the UK’s collective wellbeing. Read more about it here.
• Do you want to keep hearing from us? E-mail Stuart if you would prefer not to get our updates

Contact

Stuart Mackinnon [email protected] / 07934296831