Scottish Household Survey 2017

Concern about climate change is at a record high, according to findings of the Scottish Household Survey 2017.

The annual survey found that 61% of people believe that climate change is an immediate and urgent problem – an increase of 6 percentage points in a single year – and just 7% think climate change will only affect other countries.

The biggest growth in concern is among young people aged 16-24, increasing by more than half between 2013 and 2017.

Figures also paint a positive picture for Scotland’s communities. Findings include:

• 95% of adults rate their neighbourhood as a good place to live and 78% say they have a strong sense of belonging
• 87% of parents of school age children are satisfied with the quality of service in schools and 83% of users are satisfied with local health services
• The proportion of households in the private rented sector has plateaued at 15% after a decade of growth and 92% are satisfied with their housing
• More than half (56%) of people feel they are managing well financially but single parent and single adult households were more likely to report concerns

• The total number of households in Scotland has increased by 13 per cent from 2.19 million households in 1999 to 2.46 million households in 2017

Responding to the results Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:

“Climate change is one of the biggest issues of our time and it is clearly at the forefront of people’s minds. Tackling this global threat is one of the Scottish Government’s top priorities and our new Climate Change Bill means net-zero emissions of carbon dioxide by 2050 – in other words Scotland will be carbon neutral. 

“The Scottish Household Survey is a unique opportunity for people to share their views and experiences and help government to understand the issues affecting communities.

“This year’s results show that many people are managing well financially and the majority are happy with their neighbourhoods and local services but we can see that inequalities remain. We are working to reduce poverty and social exclusion through a range of actions across government including investing £125 million this year alone to mitigate the very worst effects of UK Government welfare cuts and protect those on low incomes. These findings will help us continue to make decisions to shape a fair and inclusive Scotland for everyone."

Background

Scottish Household Survey 2017 Annual report (260 pages)

Scottish Household Survey 2017 Climate Change report (17 pages)

Scottish Household Survey 2017 Key Findings report (30 pages)

Data Comic (4 pages)

The Scottish Household Survey is largest social survey of people across Scotland, giving them an opportunity to provide information to government on their experiences, views, attitudes and behaviours.  The survey has run since the outset of devolution in 1999.  It provides robust data on a wide range of different topics, including housing, neighbourhoods, sport and physical activity, internet use/digital engagement, views on local services, culture, the environment, and volunteering, at both national and local authority level.