As voters prepare to head to the polls on 7 May 2026 for the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Senedd elections, understanding what influences their decisions has never been more crucial. A recent BBC-commissioned poll reveals the dominant concerns driving voter behavior in both nations, highlighting the pivotal issues political parties must address to secure victory.
What Are the Top Election Issues in Scotland and Wales?
The poll identifies three core issues commanding the attention of voters across Scotland and Wales: the economy and cost of living, health and social care services, and immigration levels. These topics consistently emerge as the defining factors shaping electoral choices in the upcoming elections.
Economic concerns, particularly the rising cost of living, top the list. Over half of respondents in both countries believe their economies have worsened over the past year, reflecting widespread anxiety about financial stability and future prospects.
Health and social care services rank closely behind. Approximately half of voters report that these services have deteriorated, with older voters and women especially vocal about their dissatisfaction. This demographic’s heightened concern underscores the critical role healthcare quality plays in shaping public opinion.
Immigration emerges as a significant issue as well, although its prominence varies among voter groups. Those who supported the Reform party in the 2024 elections are particularly focused on reducing immigration levels, while younger voters frequently cite housing affordability as an additional priority.
Public Sentiment and Party Challenges
Despite the stark concerns on these issues, voters do not uniformly blame their devolved governments—the Scottish National Party (SNP) in Edinburgh and Labour in Cardiff—for the current state of affairs. Instead, a substantial majority attribute responsibility for the economy and, to a lesser extent, health services, to the UK government in Westminster.
More than two-thirds of voters in both Scotland and Wales hold the UK government accountable for economic conditions, while around half assign it responsibility for the health service, even though these services fall under the devolved administrations’ purview.
This distinction is especially pronounced among SNP supporters, who overwhelmingly view the UK government as the main factor behind economic decline. Similarly, Welsh Labour voters tend to share this perspective, highlighting a complex political landscape where blame does not fall neatly along party lines at the devolved level.
Financial considerations further complicate the picture. Many voters believe their nations receive an unfair share of funding from Westminster. This sentiment is particularly strong among nationalist supporters but also resonates with Labour voters in Wales.
Devolved Powers and Fiscal Constraints
Both the Scottish and Welsh governments possess the authority to adjust income tax rates independently of England. Scotland has actively exercised this power to increase revenues, while Wales has refrained from significant changes. Yet, a notable reluctance persists among voters—across political affiliations—to accept tax rates that differ from those in England.
Additionally, Scotland’s government has expanded welfare benefits by leveraging its devolved powers. However, around half of Scots, including many nationalist supporters, express a preference for maintaining welfare spending at levels comparable to England’s.
Why These Elections Matter
Devolution was designed to empower Scotland and Wales to tailor policies to their unique needs and hold their governments accountable at the ballot box. Yet, the polling data reveals a tension: many voters still see their countries’ fortunes as heavily influenced by decisions made in London. At the same time, they are cautious about embracing divergent tax and spending models.
This ambivalence poses a formidable challenge for parties campaigning in 2026. To win, they must convincingly demonstrate that their devolved administrations not only matter but also deliver tangible improvements in the economy, healthcare, and social services. Addressing immigration concerns sensitively and offering credible solutions to the housing crisis, especially for younger voters, will also be essential.
Ultimately, the elections will test whether political leaders can bridge the gap between voter expectations and the realities of devolved governance, carving out a clear path toward prosperity and social welfare that resonates with the electorate.
Takeaway: The 2026 elections in Scotland and Wales hinge on economic stability, quality of healthcare, and immigration policies. While voters recognize the influence of Westminster, they expect their devolved governments to assert their powers effectively and address these critical challenges. Political parties must engage with these priorities authentically to shape the future of their nations.
