ECONOMIC insecurity is driving “disaffection and mistrust” in politics and politicians, a new report has confirmed.

Research carried out by the Diffley Partnership for anti-poverty charity the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) found that 47 per cent of the 3,052 people in Scotland who took part described themselves as worrying about their family’s financial security.

Of that number, 41 per cent described themselves as politically disaffected.

Among the 22 per cent who were “very financially insecure,” 72 per cent said they would be unable to cover an unexpected cost of £200 in the next week while also covering the costs of household essentials such as food and utility bills.

Political disaffection for this group was higher still, at 52 per cent.

Of those both economically insecure and politically disaffected, 77 thought cutting the cost of living should be the priority in May’s Holyrood election.

Describing the survey as “a wake-up call,” JRF Scotland’s Chris Birt said: “People are feeling overlooked by politicians, with levels of disaffection and mistrust worryingly high as we head towards the Holyrood election.

“But crucially, people are not withdrawing from politics altogether, and are keen to use their vote in May so it has the maximum impact.

“It is now up to Scotland’s parties to outline what they will do to win over these voters, improving their living standards and repairing their trust in politics.

“It’s an opportunity our politicians can’t let slip by.”

Responding, SNP Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said the Scottish government “continues to offer people in Scotland the best cost-of-living package available across Britain.”

“We are doing all we can within our powers to reduce living costs and support households that are struggling,” she said.