How much do people trust our politicians to get it right for us and put the interests of citizens first?
The Scottish Household Survey sought to answer that question and others about the confidence we have in many of our public institutions.
In 2025, adults in Scotland were most likely to trust the Health System and the Police (both 74%). Trust was lowest for the Scottish Government (46%) and Local Government (50%).
The distrust we have in our local councils has increased. Our local councillors are the ones closest to us, they live and work in our communities – and yet we don’t trust them to keep their promises and do the job they were elected to. Local councils provide vital public services for example – Education, Housing, Waste Disposal.
The Household survey explored perceptions people have of their local council. Only 38% of respondents agreed that their local council provides high quality services
Local Councils are struggling to continue with the standard of services citizens should be getting because of the limitations of their current budgets. That is understood, but the deeply worrying response in the above table is that only 17% of those who responded to the survey believe they can influence the decision making process made by our local representatives.
The Scottish Government is currently exploring how public services are delivered in Scotland and the makeup of our local councils. Whatever comes of that it must deliver a system where citizens can engage with decision making locally and affect positive change where that is needed.
Orkney has an opportunity to create an islands specific solution with more powers and control of what happens in our communities – but only if islanders themselves feel that democratic representation vastly improves.
When it comes to overall Trust in our public institutions – views have become more polarised, according to the survey. Sadly a reflection of the polarisation of views we see highlighted in social and mainstream media.
How much trust? % of adults who trust each institution (2025)
Interestingly the younger respondents (16 – 34) had more trust than other age groups. Maybe there’s hope for us yet.
The full set of results can be found by clicking on this link: Scottish Household Survey: results
Fiona Grahame