Emma Clifford Bell Scotland News
It is Budget Day in Scotland, and decisions made at Holyrood later will shape lives far beyond the debating chamber.
Announcements on income tax, housing, education and benefits will have an impact across the country.
With just four months until the election, Scotland News asked voters what would make a difference to their lives.
Their concerns highlight the tough choices facing the government.
The under 30: ‘Private rent is unaffordable’
Megan would like more focus on housing and support for young adults leaving home and setting up for the first time.
The retail assistant, from Airdrie in North Lanarkshire, says she is planning on finding her own place this year.
“I’m currently living with my mum but looking to move out this year as we are being evicted from our house due to the landlord selling.
“Private rent it is just so unaffordable for me.
“It’s affecting my mental health, my confidence, feeling like I may not have anywhere to go or feeling like I’ll never be able to be independent.
“I’d like the government to really keep a close eye on councils and offer them support when they can, offer as much as they can to people who cannot afford to move out on their own.”
Public transport is another issue that’s important to Megan.
She added: “The costs are becoming more unaffordable and I’d like them to offer more alternative transport links to Glasgow city centre.”
The low earner: ‘I don’t want to be taxed on a pay rise’
Alan wants more support for low earners like himself and his wife.
The 54-year-old, from Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, has been working for the same retail company since the age of 17 and receives more than the National Minimum Wage.
With his wife also earning a low amount, the household budget can be a challenge.
He would like to see the Scottish government move the bands for income tax to make sure he is not penalised for any pay increases.
Alan’s other priority would be giving more money to the NHS, especially given some recent “horror”‘ stories about people having to wait several hours for an ambulance.
The higher earner: ‘I earn more so I should pay more’
Graham, a father-of-two based in Edinburgh, is comfortable now but faced insecurity recently.
“I was made redundant [and didn’t work] for six months last year and it was a horrible time – especially with the cost of living so high.”
He thinks the highest earners should be paying a bit more tax.
“I’m on the second tax bracket now and I’m happy to pay tax. I was previously in the top bracket. I believe the biggest shoulders should be paying more.
“There’s far too much money in society now between a small group of people so those with multiple properties etc need to be doing a bit more.”
Graham also feels the NHS is feeling the strain and a better distribution of wealth might help with that.
“In terms of education, I know how lucky we are in be in a good catchment area – but we need to be balancing things out a bit,” he added.
“I’m so proud to live in a country that provides free university education but I don’t know how sustainable it is.
“Maybe after students graduate there could be a system of contributing back when you get into a good job.”
The small business owner: ‘We can’t grow when we are trying to stay afloat’
Temi started a small business in Dunfermline, Fife, selling African groceries.
She did her research and managed to find repayable grants to get set up.
Temi also secured a 100% business rate reduction because she is based in the city centre.
She has found a good customer base but she finds herself unable to move forward with her ambitions.
“I want to open a restaurant but if I take another property the rates will be through the roof,” Temi said.
“The Scottish government could look at providing a funding budget for councils to help small businesses.
“Some funding is there but people don’t know what is accessible. People do not have the capital to launch a business.”
Temi feels that ministers don’t understand what small business owners need.
She added: “We need a proactive government that will listen to the actual reality of businesses.
“We can’t grow when we are trying to stay afloat.”
- Scotland will air a special Budget programme on Tuesday, and you can follow live coverage on the Scotland News website.