Why is this National Indicator important?
The quality of public services is part of the bedrock on which our society and future prosperity depends, and is crucial in shaping a flourishing, productive and equitable Scotland. Public services have the power to improve people's quality of life and enhance their opportunities. It is important, therefore, that they are high quality, efficient, continually improving and responsive to the needs of local people.
Responsiveness is a key aspect of the quality of public services, reflecting the extent to which services are designed around the needs of the individual. It relies upon organisations having mechanisms in place for people, particularly users of services, to communicate with service providers and to be heard so that their ideas can go into the redesign of more tailored services.
What will influence this National Indicator?
This indicator will be influenced by the opportunities people have to scrutinise and have their say on how public services are designed and delivered in their areas. The survey on which this indicator is based records the percentage of respondents who agree with the statement 'I can influence decisions affecting my local area'.
The degree of engagement the public have their public services and the ability of those services to adapt in response to the wishes of service users will be key influences on this indicator. The Government believes that many of the solutions to Scotland's major challenges lie locally and many of the best ideas and most effective solutions will come from those with the most direct experience of the problems or opportunities that exist.
What is the Government's role?
Building on existing partnerships with local government and others at community level, Government's role is to continue to look for ways to improve how individuals, communities and front-line staff are able to develop local solutions for local challenges.
Government will promote partnerships - based on openness, trust and honesty - to secure delivery of activities to improve outcomes that would not have been possible otherwise. Public service organisations must come together to design and deliver integrated services, and should involve fully the local public, communities, third and private sectors. Government will continue to focus on outcomes and support public service organisations to overcome boundaries to deliver these effectively and efficiently.
Community Planning is at the heart of the Government's approach with partners working together to agree their priority local outcomes through the development of locally-attuned Single Outcome Agreements. Community Planning Partnerships will continue to have a significant role to play in leading and implementing integrated services in their areas.
How is Scotland performing?
There has been a slight fall in the percentage of respondents who agreed with the statement that they can influence decisions affecting their local area from 21.8% in 2009 to 21.3% in 2010, which is the latest available data.
The data for this chart is available at the bottom of the page
Source: Scottish Household Survey
Criteria for recent change
This evaluation is based on: any difference within 1 percent of last year's figure suggests that the position is more likely to be maintaining than showing any change. An increase of 1 percent or more suggests the position is improving; whereas a decrease of 1 percent or more suggests the position is worsening.
Further Information
For information on general methodological approach, please click here.
Scotland Performs Technical Note
Who are our partners?
NHS Boards
Local authorities
And all organisations providing public services
Related Strategic Objectives
Wealthier and Fairer
Smarter
Healthier
Safer and Stronger
Greener