SWBG blog
Priorities for the new First Minister in building a gender equal economy
With many reflecting on the challenges ahead for Scotland’s new First Minister, this blog shares some of SWBG’s priorities for building a gender equal economy in Scotland.
During the leadership campaign Humza Yousaf made important commitments to expanding Scotland’s childcare offer to 1- and 2-year olds, starting from his first budget. Investment in childcare is a critical part of building a caring, gender equal economy. The UK has amongst the highest childcare costs across OECD countries. These costs keep parents, mostly mothers, out of employment; place huge financial burdens on families and are a driving factor in high poverty rates amongst single parents.
We look forward to seeing these commitments delivered within the next budget. We’ll be looking to hear from women across Scotland to support with our pre-budget advocacy later in the year. We’ll be running an update on last year’s survey that looked at how delivery of the 1,140 hours childcare commitment for 3- and 4-year olds was working for women, which showed that lack of flexibility in how these were delivered impacted on how beneficial they could be for women.
On top of this, urgent investment is needed in social care, formerly under Mr Yousaf’s Cabinet Secretary brief. The new First Minister declared that recovery and reform of the NHS and vital public services was an immediate priority in the job. Substantial investment in Scotland's social care support services needs to be part of this priority. As news recently broke of cuts to social care services funding in Glasgow and moves to outsource staff in West Lothian, the urgency of this is increasing if we are to address Scotland’s already crumbling social care services. A long-term strategy to further invest and improve social care support services to meet currently unmet needs; provide fair and well-paid work; and support people to meet their human rights is essential. The proposal made by the Scotland that Cares Campaign for a national outcome on care within the National Performance Framework to ensure action is driven to fully value and invest in care is one part of long-term change. Proposed cuts to services will make it even harder to create a National Care Service that transforms delivery of social care. SWBG research shows how much investment we believe is necessary to transform social care support in Scotland. Investing in care is about political decisions and we hope to see the new First Minister and his Cabinet take bold action to value, recognise and invest in Scotland’s care support services.
When dealing with the cost of living crisis, recognising the unequal impact of rising prices is critical. Our recent research with the Poverty Alliance on the impact of rising costs for women on low incomes highlights some recommendations needed from national to community level. These not only include short term relief measures but longer-term investment in areas such as care which are necessary to support long term recovery for people, communities and the economy. As debt rises for people the long-term outlook on how to provide solutions will be critical.
Humza Yousaf’s commitments to championing the rights of women and girls need to extend to how budget decisions are made. Bringing gender analysis into the process of budget setting and economic planning will help to tackle entrenched gender inequalities.
During the leadership contest SWBG joined with partners across the women’s sector in Scotland for candidates to commit to a range of measures to build a fairer more equal Scotland. Including investing in areas outlined in this blog, as well as, key commitments on ending violence against women and girls, protecting women’s right to abortion and incorporation of international convention, CEDAW, into the Human Rights Bill in Scotland. See more detail on these commitments in the full letter.
Along with our partners across the women’s sector we will continue championing these areas and seeking change to build a gender equal economy in Scotland.
Experiencing a disability premium - experiences shared in our women's survey
Blog by Heather Williams, SWBG Training Lead
This is the third blog in our series looking at what women told us earlier this year when we conducted a survey to find out more about their local public spending priorities, impact of the cost of living crisis and experiences of child and social care.
We heard from women in every local authority area in Scotland. 425 women responded to the survey with a range of life experiences. This blog focuses on the responses of women who disclosed that they had a disability. 87 of the women who completed the survey identified as having a disability.
Our survey highlighted the economic impact and the heightened chance of women experiencing poverty if they have a disability, the numbers with a household income of less than £10.000 is almost 3 times higher for those with disabilities than in the full sample (16.09% compared to 5.65%), while those with a household income of less than £19,999 were more than double the full sample (22.99% compared to 11.53%).
The impact of the current cost of living crisis was also being felt by this group at an increased rate. In comparison to the full data sample on all elements those who identified as disabled stated they struggled to meet costs;
Food costs – 15% higher
Energy costs – 16% higher
Housing costs – 14% higher
Transport costs – 6% higher
Respondents told us that they were concerned about the cost of living increases and that they experienced a disability premium (facing increased costs related to their disability that they struggled to meet):
‘I can't work f/t because of my disability so have a very low-income but because I work there is no help. If my energy bill goes up I can't afford it, I have no more money.’
‘I live with my parents. I'm disabled, but not enough to get PIP. So if it weren't for my parents, I'd be homeless. I can't work enough to earn enough to live on my own. I barely make enough to buy my own food and travel to work. Any increases, like those mentioned above, mean that I am even further from ever being able to survive on my own.’
‘I have a disability which is made worse by cold temperatures. I am fearful about turning my heating on at the moment in case I get a frightening bill. It is preventing me from being able to manage larger payments for repairs in my house.’
Our survey also showed that of those in employment almost double the numbers of disabled women were self-employed while rates of women in full time employment were almost half of that for the full sample.
Of the women who accessed childcare they were paying between £550 and £120 per month towards childcare, depending on circumstances and children’s age, from this it would appear that rates of using childcare are lower in this group which possibly reflects the lower rates of full-time employment and higher rate of self-employment and not working due to their health conditions/disability.
Those who responded to our survey told us that they struggled to manage childcare and household costs at a higher rate than those in our full sample and that for 50% of those who responded their partners did not make any changes to their paid work arrangements in order to manage childcare (this slightly higher rate possibly reflects the higher number of single parents within this group). The impact of managing childcare included:
‘In the past I have struggled to pay childcare fees and found these to be almost as much of a worry as rent.’
‘It is hard to find a childcare space, and communication is sparse. We want our child to have social interaction with other children but cannot afford to send him more than 2 days a week. We are over the earning threshold to qualify for 2 year old funded place by £30 a month. Two days a week at nursery costs £280-£330 a month.’
‘Struggling to get space in after club, a lot time school off no child care, been self-employed and must stop work when no child care access or holiday off from school.’
‘Unable to earn a professional salary and resigned to stay at home due to lack of childcare provision. Tax credits are means tested so do not offset costs of a private childcare provider once you earn over a certain threshold.’
Scottish Women's Budget Group responding to the Resource Spending Review
Last month’s resource spending review presented a stark picture for Scotland’s budget over the coming years. We welcome the fact that health, social care and social security have been prioritised as these are all areas that can have an impact on gender inequality. Measures such as the Scottish Child Payment and changes to Carers Allowance will help address women’s poverty.
However, it would be wrong to assume that this prioritisation will address the problems related to the chronic underinvestment in social care or the impact of the cost of living crisis for those on universal credit and legacy benefits which prior to the crisis was already leading to an increase in women’s and children’s poverty. This resource spending review took place at a time of future uncertainty and required bold action from Government to challenge the rising tide of poverty people are facing as costs keep rising.
Equality and Fairer Scotland Statement
Published alongside the Resource Spending Review was the Equality and Fairer Scotland Statement. The publication of this document is an important statement of intent showing a commitment to equality analysis within the Budget process. Throughout the process of developing the RSR and in each budget cycle equality impact analysis is a vital element to support decision making and help the RSR achieve in its key priority areas. Capacity and support must be provided at an early stage within all government budget processes to ensure that there is transparent analysis of equality impacts throughout.
The statement provided a welcome commitment to fully publishing EQIAs with the next draft budget, we look forward to seeing this detail. As well as committing to work with equality groups and through the Equality Advisory Budget Group to further develop transparency and support scrutiny of budget documentation.
Disappointingly it did not publish any EQIAs that were undertaken as part of the RSR process and there is a lack of transparency over inputs provided to this process despite references to analysis taking place.
The statement took a new format to previous Equality and Fairer Scotland Budget Statements by focusing on 9 Opportunity/Challenge areas. This makes it hard to compare with recent EFSBS that had differing risk areas as a focus. We would urge the Government to focus on one model and take time to develop this. Greater work is needed to link to National Outcomes set out in the National Performance Framework as an important indicator to how Scotland’s spending relates to what we value as a nation.
Social Security
Important commitments are made in the RSR to social security provision. Women are more likely to rely on social security and these provisions are important for Scotland to set out its own path in delivery of social security.
Commitments on the Scottish Child Payment, Carers Allowance Supplement and Disability payments are all vital to supporting people on low incomes. These rates will need to continue to be monitored over the course of the spending review and at mid-year points as inflation already surpasses the 6% rise in social security payments delivered in Scotland set at the start of 2022/23 financial year.
Local Government Spending
It is concerning to see the flat investment in Local Government. Again, an area that has struggled for sufficient funds in recent years. Public services run by local authority’s impact women and men differently. In turn investment in the services can serve to tackle or entrench inequalities. The RSR detailed a flat rate of spending to local authorities, meaning a real term cut of 7% by 2026, this alongside the ringfencing of much of local government budget means there will be little room for manoeuvre on local priorities.
Within the tight financial envelope that exists for spending in Scotland options to raise revenue fairly must be further explored. Including power for local authorities to raise revenue from new sources and reform of local taxation to build fairness into the system. Mechanisms to raise revenue must be explored from the point of view of how they can also work to tackle inequalities.
Without the necessary/appropriate resources local government will not be able to meet its functions to deliver equality locally.
Public Sector Pay
The RSR makes important recommitments to the need to deliver fairwork to those in the public sector. This a crucial commitment and delivering this for the lowest paid workers must be made a priority of Government.
Reducing the size of the public sector workforce is outlined alongside commitments on increasing teacher numbers and investment in care. More clarity is needed on this along with a commitment to protect frontline staff, many areas such as care need significantly greater investment in staff numbers.
The majority of public sector staff are women so changes to the sector are inherently gendered, particularly if cuts are made to frontline provision. Clear equality impact analysis of decisions made on public sector pay and staffing levels are necessary to understand the gendered impact of cuts to the public sector size as well any improvements brought about through delivery of Fairwork principles.
SWBG Women's Survey results are in
Blog by Heather Williams, SWBG Training Lead
Earlier this year we conducted a survey of women in Scotland to find out more about their local public spending priorities, impact of the cost of living crisis and experiences of child and social care.
We heard from women in every local authority area in Scotland. 425 women responded to the survey with a range of life experiences.
Women told us that they didn’t think local authorities were taking women’s different needs into account when they made decisions, how cuts in services had impacted on them, that the cost of living crisis (even ahead of the energy increase in April) was worrying many and impacting on their spending decisions, and that caring responsibilities was impacting on their physical and emotional health as well as on their finances.
Read a detailed breakdown of the survey results.
Local Authority Priorities
Ahead of the recent local authority elections we asked women to rank what they thought should be the top 3 priorities of local authorities. They told us that addressing poverty, particularly in relation to the cost of living crisis many are experiencing, was the key area they felt local authorities should be focussing on. Followed by addressing the impact of the pandemic through improving responses to children’s mental health and wellbeing and adult social care.
Women from across Scotland told us that the changes made to service provision as a result of Covid was still negatively impacting on them and those they care for and it was important to get service’s operating again.
‘After school care is yet to return to pre-lockdown levels - I lost my job as I couldn’t manage childcare and working full time. Current employers are more understanding but my post has become temporary until I can commit to being able to work 9-5 five days a week by end of the year, which I cannot as still don’t have after school care available or breakfast club from 8’
‘Social care remains in complete meltdown due to previous disinvestment and the impact of the pandemic. As a result, I have no idea what would happen to my profoundly disabled husband if I get sick…. or worse. No one can answer this question. It’s a heavy worry which keeps me awake at night, it has been part of the reason we’ve remained tied to our home during this never-ending crisis.’
Cost of Living Crisis
Our survey was undertaken ahead of the energy price rise in April yet 32% of those who completed the question on increasing prices told us they were already struggling to afford energy costs. 45% told us they were having to make changes to other household spending to afford energy prices. Respondents told us they were switching heating off, or only having it on for a limited period to manage costs.
‘Living in an all-electric house, it's hard to achieve any level of cosiness however much you spend. My monthly DD has gone up from £45 to £73 pcm in one fell swoop and I'm dreading the price rise due in April. KWs produced by oil or gas radiators are far more efficient at heating. So it's not worth paying the extortionate prices; when I'm home, I wear multiple layers (including a hat), wrap myself in wraps and throws and have a hot water bottle. I heat the bathroom when I have a shower and put the heating on in the living room for a couple of hours in the evening.’
22% were struggling to manage food costs and almost 43% were having to make changes to other household spending to afford food costs. Respondents told us they were changing where they shop, buying cheaper brands or cutting back on buying certain goods.
‘The cost of food has gone up dramatically that I’m having to make a budget and I have cut down on what I thought were basics like cheese because the price has gone up dramatically.’
‘I had to leave the supermarket check-out leaving the shopping behind me or put few items away to afford the shopping, very embarrassing.’
Those who live in rural areas or those who have a disability told us that their ability to make savings was limited due to the additional costs associated with where they stayed or their disability.
‘Energy costs have increased during the winter months - meaning I have to choose between turning the heating on to keep my baby warm or being able to afford proper food for my baby. Transport costs are making it difficult to get into work on time, especially as local public transport is often late or cancelled.’
‘The diet has changed, my daughter has allergies and only certain foods can be bought - which are priced high! As a minority ethnic woman I have to travel into the city to buy certain food supplies - the cost of travel and food are felt much harder now so I try and forgo items. Life should not be about sacrifices all the time.’
‘I have a disability which is made worse by cold temperatures. I am fearful about turning my heating on at the moment in case I get a frightening bill. It is preventing me from being able to manage larger payments for repairs in my house.’
Women went on to tell us more about their experiences of child care and social care. We’ll share more on these experiences in this short series of blogs.
Read the full breakdown of the survey results.
The survey was undertaken between 9th February and 10th March 2022, 425 women from across Scotland responded.
5 principles to drive local action for a gender equal economy
Today we are launching our pre-local election report, Local Spending and Women’s Equality.
Our short paper sets our 5 principles for prospective Councillors to deliver against to help build a gender equal economy.
Councils elected in 2022 have a triple set of challenges to contend with. The cost of living crisis which is rapidly impacting people’s lives, Covid-19 pandemic recovery which impacted many Council run services and the need for practical action on climate change.
To deal with the multiple challenges we’ve set out 5 principles which aim to guide responses that will build in equality:
- Hardwire gender analysis into decision making
- Recognise the gendered nature of poverty
- Build local communities that put care and wellbeing at the centre
- Embrace participation and hear from a diverse range of women
- Understand the role of revenue raising in tackling inequality
With energy prices soaring, managing to get by as the cost of living outstrips wages and social security is a key concern. SWBG conducted a survey between February and March 2022 in which 425 women participated.
The survey demonstrated that the rising cost of living was already having an impact and women are having to make difficult decisions on heating, eating, transport and more. 32% of those who responded said they were unable to manage energy costs before the latest increase on 1 April, and concern about future rises in energy bills was already impacting on people’s household spending.
My husband is disabled, and has been shielding. Our heating costs are higher because he is largely confined to the house, and we will have to cut back on other day to day spend to manage this.
I have no savings left, no chance to find a better paid job due to my caring role. As people go back to the office, this further reduces the jobs open to me due to the continued high prevalence of Covid which restricts our lives.
Energy costs and transport are our highest expenditure after mortgage payments, and these two items take up 80% of my take-home pay. We have very little left to cover food and we are unable to spend on 'fun' activities, holidays etc as a consequence. I am very aware that this is limiting my children's childhood experiences.
Councillors elected in May will have a challenging job to support local communities through these difficult times. Working to build equality into the system in the face of these challenges is a first step building fair communities that work for everyone.
Read the full paper.
If you would like an accessible copy of the paper please contact us on info@swbg.org.uk
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