85% of people in Scotland support higher taxes on the wealthy, major new study finds

Research challenges political assumptions and highlights widespread concern about wealth

inequality

A new national study from Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland has found overwhelming concern about wealth inequality and strong backing for fairer taxation of wealth, including among people in higher-income households, challenging the common assumption that such reforms lack public support.

Key findings include:

• 85% support increasing taxes on the wealthy 

• 90% say wealth inequality is more harmful than good for Scottish society 

• 83% say the wealth gap is too large 

•Two-thirds would prefer higher taxes to protect public services rather than cuts

Concern about inequality and backing for fairer taxation were consistent across income levels, age groups, and social backgrounds.

Participants described wealth inequality as damaging to people’s security, opportunities, and quality of life. Many said those with the greatest wealth should contribute more, particularly to support public services.

There is also strong public backing for specific reforms. Around 70% of people supported changes to ensure those with higher-value properties pay more council tax, reflecting broader support for progressive taxation.

Participants consistently linked their views on taxation to fairness and public benefit. Support was strongest where people believed the system was fair, transparent, and clearly linked to protecting public services such as healthcare, education, and local communities.

Lisa Hough-Stewart, Director, Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland and a member of the campaign Tax Justice Scotland, said:

“This research shows clearly that people across Scotland are deeply concerned about wealth inequality and strongly support fairer taxation of wealth.

For too long, political debate has assumed that taxing wealth is unpopular or politically impossible. Our findings show that this is not the case.

Support comes from across society — including people who recognise they may need to contribute more.

People recognise the role public services play in supporting everyone in society, and believe those with the greatest wealth should contribute more to sustain them.

Public opinion is not the barrier to reform. The public is ready for change.”

The findings come at a time of continued pressure on public services and growing debate about inequality, taxation, and Scotland’s public finances. The Scottish Fiscal Commission has forecast a shortfall of £4.7 billion by 2029-30 even to fund existing spending commitments. 

Support for tax reform was closely linked to fairness and trust. Participants emphasised the importance of ensuring that tax changes are proportionate, transparently implemented, and designed so those with the greatest wealth contribute their fair share.

The results add to mounting calls for a fairer tax system. Tax Justice Scotland – a campaign backed by more than 50 organisations, from anti-poverty and environment charities to social enterprise bodies, academics, policy think tanks and trade unions – is calling for fair tax reform at UK and Scotland levels. Ahead of the Scottish election, it is urging every party to set out Tax Justice Plans to ensure national and local taxes in Scotland do more to help tackle inequality, poverty and the climate crisis while fairly generating additional money to invest in crucial public services. 

Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland and a member of Tax Justice Scotland, said:

“People in Scotland are well ahead of the current political debate on inequality and tax.  They can see too much wealth sitting in too few hands while children live in poverty and public services struggle and people know that’s not right. Most of us are willing to pay a bit more to support the services we all rely on but we expect the money to be spent wisely and those with the deepest pockets to contribute properly too. That it isn’t radical or complicated economics, it’s basic fairness. With the Scottish election fast approaching, every party should set out how they will help deliver a fairer tax system within the next Scottish Parliament.”

The study draws on nationally representative research conducted with more than 2,300 people across Scotland, alongside in-depth focus groups exploring attitudes to wealth inequality, taxation, and council tax reform.

Notes to editors

• The research was conducted by Diffley Partnership on behalf of Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland

• The survey included 2,321 respondents across Scotland and six focus groups involving 38 participants

• The research explored attitudes to wealth inequality, wealth taxation and council tax reform

• The full report is available on request