Scottish Government

Statistical Bulletin ENV/2002/1: Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey 2001

SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE STATISTICAL SERVICES

Our role

The aim of the Statistical Service is to provide relevant and reliable statistical information, analysis and advice that meet the needs of government, business and the people of Scotland.

Our Objectives

1. To ensure that all statistics work is relevant to meeting user needs by

• Continuing development of new and improved statistics in key areas, including the economy, social justice, equality and rural issues.

• In each statistics branch, continuing to improve the relevance and timeliness of work, to meet user needs.

• Developing more data for small areas through the Neighbourhood Statistics project.

• Developing the contribution of statistics to broader initiatives, including performance information, measurement of government targets, better policy making and other modernising government objectives.

• Improving the involvement of users and providers, working on a partnership basis wherever possible.

1. To ensure the reliability of our statistics by

• Implementing a systematic and transparent approach to quality assurance in line with National Statistics.

• Maintaining and promoting integrity through implementation of National Statistics standards and protocols.

• Developing statistical expertise and use of integrated statistical methods and classifications

1. To ensure the efficient and effective delivery of statistics products and services by

• Improving access to data and analysis, through better use of the Web, improved publications and improved systems for holding and accessing background data.

• Producing and implementing an annual Scottish Executive Statistics Plan

• Maintaining comparability of statistics across the UK and developing collaboration with the other administrations.

• Minimising the burden on data providers.

• Ensuring value for money in our activities

• Promoting the statistical service, its outputs and standards.

1. To ensure that the statistician group is equipped to meet its objectives by

• Ensuring as far as possible that all Departments/ Divisions have statistical staff required to meet their needs at all times.

• Improving the development and support arrangements for statistical staff and supporting implementation of Civil Service Reform

• Ensuring effective management of the statistics group

• Ensuring effective use of Information and Communications Technology

National Statistics are produced to high professional standards set out in the National Statistics Code of Practice. They undergo regular quality assurance reviews to ensure that they meet customer needs. They are produced free from any political interference.

National Statistics publications are grouped under the following broad subject headings (themes):

This publication belongs to the Natural and Built Environment theme.

Correspondence and enquiries

Advice on specific areas of Scottish Executive statistical work can be obtained from staff at the telephone numbers given below:

Scottish Executive Statistics contacts

Other contacts for Scottish statistics

For general enquiries about National Statistics contact the National Statistics Public Enquiry Service on

020 7533 5888
minicom: 01633 812399
Email: info@statistics.gov.uk
Fax: 01633 652747
Letters: room DG/18, 1 Drummond Gate,
LONDON SW1V 2QQ

You can also find National Statistics on the internet - go to www.statistics.gov.uk

Current staff names, e-mail addresses and the publications listed below as well as a range of other statistical publications can be found on the Scottish Executive Web site at www.scotland.gov.uk/stats.

Further information on the General Register Office for Scotland is available on the website www.gro-scotland.gov.uk

Most recent Development Department Statistical Publications relating to the Natural and Built Environment theme

Additional copies of these publications may be purchased from Scottish Executive Publication Sales, The Stationery Office Bookshop, 71 Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH3 9AZ, Telephone: (0131) 228 4181, Fax: (0131) 622 7017. Cheques should be made payable to 'The Stationery Office Limited'.

Complaints and suggestions

If you are not satisfied with our service, please write to the Chief Statistician, Mr Rob Wishart, 4 Floor East Rear, St Andrews House, Edinburgh, EH1 8DG, Telephone: (0131) 244 0302, e-mail rob.wishart@scotland.gov.uk . We also welcome any comments or suggestions that would help us to improve our standards of service.