Dimension 5. Cross-Cutting Services
Intro
Cross cutting services refer to the systems, data and measurement frameworks that help governments understand and value care. These tools support effective policy design, resource allocation and long-term planning. In Scotland, there is no policy at either the UK or Scotland level that mandates the regular collection of time-use data. These gaps limit the visibility of unpaid care and the ability to assess progress toward more equitable outcomes.
Dimension snapshot assessment
Scotland does not currently have a routine, national system for collecting time use data or for consistently measuring unpaid care. Without this information, unpaid care remains largely invisible within key policy and budgeting decisions. Women, who undertake most unpaid care, are most affected by these gaps. Limited data also restricts Scotland’s ability to monitor inequalities and evaluate the reach and impact of care related policies.
Summary
Understanding care requires robust, regular and disaggregated time-use data. Without it, policymakers cannot fully identify inequality, measure unmet need or understand how care responsibilities are distributed. This has a direct impact on gender equality, economic participation and the design of effective public services.
Scotland relies heavily on UK wide surveys and one off or irregular time data collection exercises. The absence of a dedicated time use framework limits insight into how unpaid care is shared across different groups, including women, minority ethnic communities, disabled people, carers in rural areas and low-income households.
Measurement gaps also make it difficult to track progress on reducing or redistributing unpaid care work, improving job quality in paid care or the effectiveness of changes in social security, workplace policy or infrastructure.
Reliable, consistent and intersectional data is essential to understanding the true scale of care in Scotland and ensuring policy development and investment respond to real need.
Policy areas that influenced this score
Policy Area 5A. Measurement frameworks and data collection
Measurement frameworks and data collection are essential for understanding how care is provided, who provides it and how policies impact people’s lives. Scotland does not currently have a statutory or routine system for collecting time use data, and unpaid care remains largely invisible within existing measurement tools. This lack of consistent, gender disaggregated and intersectional data significantly limits Scotland’s ability to design effective policy, monitor progress or target investment.
Time use data provides insight into how unpaid care is distributed across gender, age, ethnicity, disability and income. Without it, the substantial contribution of unpaid care remains undervalued and under recognised.
View policy area +Dimension assessment
Cross cutting services underpin the functioning of all other dimensions. Without regular data collection, it is difficult to identify inequalities, measure unmet need or assess the effectiveness of policy changes. Time use data is essential for understanding gender inequality, as women undertake most unpaid care.
Overall, this dimension highlights that in Scotland unpaid care is not supported by the consistent measurement and monitoring required for effective policymaking. Significant investment in data, evaluation and transparency is needed to create an enabling environment for care.