Analysis of responses to the 2013 Consultation regarding the redraw of Data Zones

Introduction

Data Zones are the main geography for small area statistics in Scotland, and are widely used across the public and private sector. They are large enough that statistics can be presented accurately without fear of disclosure and small enough that they can be used to represent communities. Aggregations of Data Zones are often used to approximate a larger area of interest or a higher level geography that statistics wouldn't normally be produced separately, such as Multi Member Ward. They have roughly standard populations to allow comparison between Data Zones and static boundaries to allow tracking of change over time; this is the first time that Data Zone boundaries have been revised since they were created in 2004

Since their inception in 2004, there has been population redistribution and the link between Data Zones and other geographies has become eroded. This reduces the utility of Data Zones and invalidates some of the criteria used during their initial development, hence the need to redraw Data Zones.