Reducing Inequalities in Scotland: Firm Commitments, Mixed Results After 10 Years of SNP Governments

Abstract

Successive devolved governments have been attempting to address inequalities which are deeply rooted in Scotland, by adapting UK policies or by devising their own solutions. In addition, from 2007, Scottish National Party (SNP) governments have criticised the policies conducted at UK level – especially the austerity policies in response to the Recession from 2010. They have demanded further powers to be able to mitigate or reform them, thus adding a constitutional dimension which has been reignited after the referendum on Brexit. This chapter deals with some of the policies aiming at tackling inequalities related to incomes and capabilities in the fields of education and health. It sheds light on the ongoing debates in Scotland and on some of the results which have been achieved under SNP governments.

Citation

Camp-Pietrain, E. (2017), "Reducing Inequalities in Scotland: Firm Commitments, Mixed Results After 10 Years of SNP Governments", Fée, D. and Kober-Smith, A. (Ed.) Inequalities in the UK, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 305-321. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78714-479-820171015