Scottish Government

CHAPTER 4: RESPONSES TO THE CONSULTATION

4.1 RESPONSES AND RESPONDENTS

The consultation documentation included a structured response form. While the majority of responses followed the structure of the questions asked in the consultation, a small number were presented in free-flowing format. Where possible, these comments were assigned to the relevant question.

Responses to specific consultation questions were analysed, with comments on each question grouped together, compared and where possible and useful, quantified.

A total of 170 responses to the consultation were received. As table 4.1 illustrates, the largest number of responses among sub-groups (79) representing 46% of the total number, was received from those responding as individuals. There were 91 responses from professionals/ organisations and these respondents were able to base their views on their professional and/or personal experience and insight into the issues.

The professional/ organisational respondents were grouped into broad categories as shown in table 4.1. As the table shows, the largest number of organisational responses was received from local authorities - 20 responses were received in this category, constituting 22% of the total number of organisations and 12% of the total number of responses. A proportionately large number of organisational responses (16) were received from the packaging industry.

Gaps in respondent type

A scan of the respondent list along with a review of the respondent organisations revealed no obvious gaps, although the 2 types of organisation least well represented were political parties and consumer groups.

Content of responses

Seventy-six respondents provided comments on all or most of the sections of the consultation document; the remainder limited their responses to one or two questions.

A standard letter campaign produced 37 identical responses to question 19. This question, along with question 20, deals with the use of plastic bags. Further examples of standard letters, although these had been customized, covered questions 19 and 20 and in total 86 responses, constituting just over half of all responses, commented solely on plastic bag issues.

The single response from a political party gave a comprehensive response on the subject of the zero waste approach. This response is detailed alongside other answers to question 42 which covers alternative actions to prevent waste.

Table 4.1
Respondent profile