‘Scotland is prospering’ says new indicator

Scotland’s prosperity has increased, despite the recession, according to new research.

But the study also showed that the most deprived communities have been left lagging behind.

The charity Oxfam Scotland has developed a new index which aims to measure prosperity more holistically than traditional economic benchmarks such as GDP.

The Humankind Index focuses on people’s needs and priorities.

Using this measure, when Scotland’s prosperity in 2009-10 was compared against 2007-8, the charity said the overall level had increased by 1.2 per cent.

A survey for Oxfam, carried out as part of the research, found that Scots put good housing and their health ahead of cash.

The study found people’s top priorities were having a decent, safe, affordable home alongside good health. Having a clean neighbourhood where people can enjoy going outside came second.

However, having enough money to pay the bills and having a secure source of money only came joint fifth in the survey.

A report by the charity said prosperity had increased by 1.2 per cent “meaning that according to the range of areas that people in Scotland value, Scotland appears to have become more prosperous (even if just marginally)”.

It added: “Scotland’s prosperity has been boosted by improvements in health and community spirit. For example, better self-reported health contributed almost 40 per cent of all positive changes.

The report also said: “Scotland’s most deprived communities are failing to share in improvements to the country’s overall prosperity.

“They lag behind in the fields of health, housing, the local environment, feeling safe and community spirit.”