The Scottish National Party emphasized last year that “Scottish taxpayers get the best value in the UK.” There are, in fact, a host of social benefits that Scotland offers: lower council taxes, free prescriptions, eye tests, university tuition, and personal care.
Public spending per head in Scotland was £14,456 in 2022-23, which was 15% above the UK average, equivalent to £2,229 more than in England.
Why thousands are moving to Scotland – and why you should consider it too
It’s not all bad news for Scottish taxpayers, of course. Anyone earning above £25,688 pays a greater proportion of their income in tax than elsewhere in the UK. However, high earners are particularly hard hit. Take, for example, the person earning £40,000 a year-who nets £111 less than in England. If they earn £110,000, this makes a £4,096 difference.
This is offset somewhat by lower council taxes, with the average band D tax bill standing at £1,421 in Scotland, compared to £2,171 in England. Property prices are cheaper, averaging £200,000 – some £110,000 less than in England – and monthly rents around 28% lower.
These financial carrots have attracted many to Scotland, with net migration from the UK reaching 13,900 by June 2023, the highest in 21 years.
Why People Are Relocating to Scotland
Better Quality of Life: David Brookes had moved from London to Edinburgh in 2020 with his family to work remotely and improve his lifestyle. The cost of housing in Scotland allowed Brookes to buy a three-bedroom home near Edinburgh for about the same price as his small flat in London.
Building a Dream Home: Laura Cameron and her husband sold their Hertfordshire home to build a custom house in Dollar, Scotland at a significantly reduced cost. Now they are able to pay down their mortgage and even afford private education for their children; tuition fees are 30% lower in Scotland than London.
The family-friendly benefits include free school meals for children, free transportation for young adults, and discounted kids’ clubs to families like Lily and Steve Rice, who moved to South Lanarkshire.
A Community that Thrives: Ellie Jones, fresh out of university, ‘found Stirling pretty easy on the purse strings’, with plenty of outdoor activities and nice scenery. In fact, most of the cities in Scotland, like Stirling and Edinburgh, are quite good for a social life. Since employers offer jobs, that gives all the more reason for young professionals to stay on.
Underappreciated benefits: among the benefits Scots have, free dental care until age 25, free prescriptions, and free period products in all public restrooms. In addition to the lower cost of housing, these benefits add value for those considering relocation.
While Scotland offers many amenities, there are disadvantages, too. It takes a little time to get used to the colder climate, and higher taxes remain a minus. For many, though, the financial benefits with quality of life make moving to Scotland well worth it.
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