Key data sources
Quantitative data
2.44 Sources include:
Census data covers demographic, economic and property specific information. Further information on 2001 Census at Scotland's Census Results Online
The Council Tax Register provides the basis for establishing between censuses the total amount of housing within a local authority, its tenure distribution and usage;
Internal housing management records and records of other providers of social housing show how the available stock is being used, what types of households are looking for housing, what types are leaving, and where within the authority demand for the housing is high or low. See chapter 8 of the Local Housing System Analysis Good Practice Guide for advice on analysing social rented housing;
Statistical returns made to the Scottish Executive cover a range of issues and will be useful for local authorities when considering change through time or for comparison with other local authority areas. More information on Housing Statistics
Neighbourhood statistics is a major initiative funded by the Scottish Executive to improve the production, dissemination and use of data at a local level. The Neighbourhood Statistics Housing Working Group has prepared a strategy to develop small area statistical information in relation to households and housing and the work of the group should assist local authorities with their LHS, for example by providing geo-referenced RTB data for their area. More information on Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics
The Register of Sasines provides information on all private market property transactions. Communities Scotland has provided Sasines data to all local authorities to assist in the preparation of their LHS. Local authorities also now have access to 20 years of RTB sales data in a usable format;
The Scottish House Condition Survey (SHCS) provides information on dwelling quality and household socio-economic circumstances. The 2002 SHCS data set provides results at a local authority level for the first time. Lower levels of disaggregation (such as SIP areas or wards) are not available. More details on Scottish Housing Condition Survey
Qualitative data
2.45 The strategic or policy statements of other agencies such as Local Enterprise Companies, Health Boards and so on will contain relevant data on how housing might operate within a local authority and problems or issues which might be emerging. Surveys of community or "felt" need for housing can also provide useful qualitative data.
2.46 An example of the range of data used for identifying pressured rural communities, and the issues involved in within the Rural Partnership for Change: Report of the National Steering Group
2.47 If you have encountered difficulty with using data relevant to LHS, or if you have good practice to share, please email us your comments.
