Why is this National Indicator important?
Our satisfaction with our neighbourhoods has an important influence on the overall quality of our lives. In Scotland as a whole, over 90% of adults rate their neighbourhood as either very good or fairly good. However, the neighbourhood rating is significantly lower in more deprived areas. For example, in 2009/2010, 77% of adults in the 10% most deprived areas rated their neighbourhood as either good or fairly good compared to all of those in the 10% least deprived areas. As the most deprived communities become safer and stronger, neighbourhood satisfaction will increase in these areas and for Scotland as a whole.
What will influence this National Indicator?
Satisfaction and dissatisfaction with our neighbourhoods is governed by a wide range of factors including: the local physical environment; convenience of services such as shops and public transport; the behaviour of others in the neighbourhood; and perceptions of personal safety. The positive aspects most frequently mentioned (without prompting) by adults who rated their neighbourhood well in 2009/10 were: a sense of community/friendly people; a pleasant environment; good amenities; and a safe environment. Negative aspects most frequently mentioned by adults who rated their neighbourhood poorly were: no sense of community/problem residents/substance abuse; an unpleasant environment; poor amenities; and an unsafe environment.
What is the Government's role?
Antisocial behaviour remains a key factor influencing respondents' overall perception of their neighbourhood and violence blights too many communities. Tackling antisocial behaviour and making communities safer remains a top priority for this Government. We are doing this by taking forward a range of measures in partnership with our stakeholders outlined in our antisocial behaviour strategy Promoting Positive Outcomes: which stresses prevention and early, effective intervention as well as diversion. Along with our partners we are committed to tackling violence wherever and whenever it occurs. We will also take action through our Regeneration Strategy, providing additional support to the places and people that need it, tackling deprivation and disadvantage and creating opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish.
We will be developing a new programme, 'The Achieving Change Programme', which will promote local public service reform in our most disadvantaged communities with an emphasis on: taking an assets based approach; closer integration of services; better use of data to understand neighbourhoods; and involving local people more deeply in developing and delivering change. More generally, we have also funded increased police officer numbers and worked with forces to increase officer visibility.
How is Scotland performing?
The percentage of people who rate their neighbourhood as a very good place to live has been gradually increasing over the last 6 years. In the latest year, 2010, 55.4% of people said they were very satisfied with their neighbourhood compared with 55.0% in 2009.
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 0.5 percentage points of last year's figure suggests that the position is more likely to be maintaining than showing any change. An increase of 0.5 percentage points or more suggests the position is improving; whereas a decrease of 0.5 percentage points 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?
Community Planning Partnerships
Community Safety Partnerships
Scottish Police forces
Local Authorities
National Violence Reduction Unit
Related Strategic Objectives
Wealthier and Fairer
Safer and Stronger
Greener