Effective community engagement in local development planning guidance: impact assessments

Annex B - Data Bank

Characteristic: Age

Evidence gathered and strength / quality of evidence

Scotland’s population is ageing. In mid-2019, 19% of the population were aged 65 and over compared with 17% a decade earlier in mid-2009. Over the same period, the population aged 65 and over increased in all council areas.^[32]

Nearly 9 in 10 adults (88%) in Scotland use the internet either for work or personal use, a steady increase over time from 65% in 2007. Notably, there has been a significant increase in internet use amongst older adults aged 60+ (from 29% to 66%). There are lower rates of internet use among older adults than among younger adults. In 2019, almost all (99%) adults aged 16-24 reported using the internet compared to 43% of those aged 75+. ^[33]

96% of island households have access to the internet from home. Older residents, aged 66 and over, report slightly but significantly lower levels of access than other age groups, at 92%. 65% of island residents agree that their internet connection at home is fast enough to do what they want online.^[34]

Older people were less likely to have travelled the previous day. Only 51% of those aged 80 and over had travelled the previous day and 65% of those aged 70 to 79. ^[35]

Almost nine in 10 adults (87%) aged 75 and above said they felt a very strong or fairly strong sense of belonging to their community, compared to just over seven in ten (73%) of those aged between 16 and 24. ^[36]

Na h-Eileanan Siar is one of only two councils projected to have more people leaving than arriving.^[37]

In 2019, only one in five adults (18%) agreed that they can influence decisions affecting their local area, while 30% said that they would like to be more involved in the decisions their council makes, a decrease from 38% in 2007. ^[38]

Generally, older adults were more likely than younger adults to say they are satisfied with local government performance and less likely to want to be more involved in making decisions.³⁶ The percentage of people who agree with the statement "I can influence decisions affecting my local area” is an indicator under the National Performance Framework’s Human Rights Outcome.^[39] Older people want action to ensure that they have access to opportunities to remain actively engaged with, and involved in, their communities.^[40]

The majority of young people feel they should be involved in planning in their local area and that their local councils should look at ways to support children and young people to do this.^[41]

Island residents generally perceive that they have little influence over decisions made by local and national organisations, and more influence over community organisations and community councils, particularly in the Outer Isles of Orkney and Shetland, where around half of residents feel they can influence decisions made by their community council. 42% of younger people (aged 18 to 35) compared to 30% of older people (aged 66 and over) report that they can influence decisions made by community organisations such as Development Trusts and community groups.^[42] Young People and the Highlands and Islands Maximising Opportunity Report (2018)^[43], noted levels of community participation varied by geography, with the highest levels reported by young people in Orkney (81%), Shetland (72%) and the Outer Hebrides (70%).

Respected indicator

Children and young people want their views to be heard and to make a meaningful contribution to making things better. Involving young people in decision-making requires supporting them to take meaningful, responsible, age-appropriate roles, working in co-operation with professionals and parents / carers. Participation in civic engagement groups has been found to be associated with increased confidence and mental wellbeing as well as positive health and wellbeing outcomes for children and adolescents. Involving people in decision making can further improve service and policy design to meet the needs of young people, leading to longer term positive impacts. ^[44]

Responsible indicator

Participation in positive activities has been shown to improve psychological wellbeing, self-perception and self-esteem, and skills development. Volunteering also has wider benefits, strengthening community cohesion and public services, which in turn act as protective factors for young people's health and wellbeing.⁴⁴

Included indicator

Consultation with children and young people shows the value they place on being included within their community, interacting with, and being treated well by, those in the local area, such as shopkeepers and neighbours. Such positive relationships are described as a pre-requisite for health and wellbeing by young people themselves.⁴⁴

Around six in ten of young people surveyed (58%) agreed that adults were good at taking their views into account when making decisions that affect them.^[45] This was an increase from 2017, when 53% agreed. Of note:

• boys were more positive on both questions;
• older children, for example pupils in S6, were more negative; and
• respondents with a mental or physical health condition were less positive.

Democracy Matters to Children (2019)^[46] noted that “children’s paths to meaningful involvement in decision-making are currently limited and many children have limited or no experience of participation in democratic processes”. A number of local issues were identified as ones which children wanted to have a say in – this included planning and the built environment.

Recommendations include that there should be more opportunities for young Gypsy / Travellers to take part in decision making and have their voices heard.^[47]

This is also reflected in peer research which noted that children and young people want to be involved in decisions about the places they live.^[48]

A commitment to better and more meaningful engagement between Government and children and young people is sought.^[49]

Analysis found that fewer disabled young people agreed that adults were good at taking their views into account than non-disabled young people in 2019 (54% vs 62%).^[50]

In relation to NPF4, comments included that there should be more of a focus of engagement in the planning system on children and young people, recognising statutory duties.^[51]

Comments also included that improvement is needed to how communities are engaged in the planning system, with calls for guidance considering recommended engagement approaches, identification of key stakeholder groups, and provision of examples. Young people, older people, those who are digitally excluded, women, those from more deprived communities, disabled people, ethnic minorities, people with first languages that are not English, and people without time to read and respond to lengthy documents, were identified as groups likely to have difficulty engaging with planning system.^[52]

Data gaps identified and action taken

Evidence would suggest that people wish to engage in planning though they are not always able to do so.

As part of the consultation on the Scottish Government’s proposals, we will be proactive in engaging with societal groups which may include the practical elements of supporting engagement, although the guidance does not focus on methods of engagement.

Characteristic: Disability

Evidence gathered and strength / quality of evidence

In 2011, the proportion of people in Scotland with a long-term activity-limiting health problem or disability was 20%, the same as reported in the 2001 Census.^[53]

There are a range of recommendations from the House of Commons report ‘Building for Equity’ (primarily aimed at England) including:^[54]

• preparation of guidance on how and when to engage disabled people;
• dedicated section in policy on access and inclusive design;
• plans not to be considered as ‘sound’ without evidence that they address access for disabled people;
• permission granted only where sufficient provision for accessibility and inclusion; and
• remove any requirement to prove immediate need for accessible housing.

97% of disabled people or those with a long-term illness considered that people should be involved in making decisions about how local public services are planned.^[55]

Digital and offline engagement and capacity building can raise disabled people’s aspirations and opportunities to fulfil their potential, and strengthen participation and democracy^[56].

71% of adults who have some form of limiting long-term physical or mental health condition or illness reported using the internet, lower than for those who have some form of non-limiting condition or illness (90%) and those who have none (94%).³³ Initial indication that there is an equal proportion (30%) of adults with long term illness or disability living in rural areas compared to urban areas.^[57]

Data gaps identified and action taken

Evidence would suggest that people wish to engage in planning though they are not always able to do so.

As part of the consultation on the Scottish Government’s proposals, we will be proactive in engaging with societal groups which may include the practical elements of supporting engagement, although the guidance does not focus on methods of engagement.

Characteristic: Sex

Evidence gathered and strength / quality of evidence

Scotland had a relatively even split between genders in 2018, with 51% females and 49% males, although this varied amongst age groups.^[58]

Women are slightly more likely than men to become involved in the planning process. This was focused on development management.^[59]

Language barriers, lack of confidence and dominant characters can discriminate against some people during community engagement specifically women, minority ethnic groups, young and old people, and people with disabilities. ^[60]

Overall, in 2015 there was no significant difference in use of internet between genders.^[61]

Men were more likely to have travelled than women (74% vs 72%).^[35]

Most journeys were for the purpose of commuting (24%), shopping (23%) or visiting friends or relatives (10%).^[35]

In 2018 women were more likely than men to walk or catch the bus to work. Men were more likely to cycle to work.^[35]

Gender-based violence against women occurs in all spaces and spheres of human interaction, including in the context of public spaces.^[62]

Do you feel able to influence planning decisions which affect your local area and how it is being developed? Findings on no influence / some influence were similar for male (61%, 35%) and female (59%, 36%).^[63]

Although the First Minister’s National Advisory Council on Women and Girls Report and Recommendations^[64] do not make a direct link with planning and the built environment, note should be taken of the references to:

• women have better cultural participation and sense of community belonging;
• women are somewhat more likely than men to say that they have a very strong feeling of belonging to their community (38% vs 34%);
• more women (28%) than men (25%) volunteer for groups or organisations;
• women do less physical activity - women are significantly less likely than men to meet physical activity guidelines, just 62% of women do the recommended amount of activity per week, compared to 70% of men; and
• women are much less likely to feel safe walking alone in their neighbourhood after dark (66% vs 89% of men).

In 2017 COSLA noted that 29% of Scotland’s 1227 councillors are women. It also notes that other key parts of our communities are underrepresented.^[65]

There is indication that women can find it more difficult to engage in planning processes, since they are more likely to provide unpaid care and the timing and places of consultation may not recognise caring responsibilities.^[66]

Data gaps identified and action taken

Evidence would suggest that people wish to engage in planning though they are not always able to do so.

As part of the consultation on the Scottish Government’s proposals, we will be proactive in engaging with societal groups which may include the practical elements of supporting engagement, although the guidance does not focus on methods of engagement.

Characteristic: Pregnancy and Maternity

Evidence gathered and strength / quality of evidence

Pregnant women may find standing difficult and need facilities to sit down.^[67]

Data gaps identified and action taken

The consultation includes an open question inviting the identification of further evidence to enhance the impact assessment.

Characteristic: Gender Reassignment

Evidence gathered and strength / quality of evidence

We have not been able to gather any information regarding this characteristic.

Data gaps identified and action taken

The consultation includes an open question inviting the identification of further evidence to enhance the impact assessment.

Characteristic: Sexual Orientation

Evidence gathered and strength / quality of evidence

As a whole, this group had no special needs or requirements when it came to planning. Their views were representative of the general population.^[68]

However, more recent research and guidance suggests that our understanding of the needs of marginalised groups is developing and that “…planning with a gender lens can ensure full participation of underrepresented voices.”^[69]

Data gaps identified and action taken

The consultation includes an open question inviting the identification of further evidence to enhance the impact assessment.

Characteristic: Race

Evidence gathered and strength / quality of evidence

Language barriers, lack of confidence and dominant characters can discriminate against some people during community engagement specifically women, minority ethnic groups, young and old people and disabled people.⁶⁰

Some people from specific communities of interest and identity described finding it difficult to get involved in decisions or having no experience of involvement at all. ^[70] For example, some asylum seekers, EU citizens, foreign language groups, and some people from different ethnic minority groups described experiences of being detached from the wider community and formal decision-making organisations and forums. They did not know about local groups or understand whether and how they could get involved.

Of those whose ethnicity was recorded as white, 78% expressed a very or fairly strong feeling of belonging compared to 71% of those whose ethnicity was recorded as minority ethnic.³⁶

In 2011 Gypsy / Travellers in Scotland, compared to the population as a whole, were more likely to report a long-term health problem or disability and were more likely to report bad or very bad general health. ^[71]

The same 2011 analysis⁷¹ suggests that English language skills for Gypsy / Travellers aged 3 and over were generally lower than for the population as a whole. Only 83% of Gypsy / Travellers could speak, read and write English compared to 94% of the whole population.

Reporting of young Gypsy / Traveller discussion on rights of the child^[72] contains the recommendations of young people with regards to the Concluding Observations published in 2016, and the issues which they feel continue to impact upon their lives, and those of their families, friends and communities. The recommendations included:

• “We should be consulted about where sites should be”;
• “We should be part of the planning process to allow us to say what type of sites and facilities we want”; and
• “There should be more opportunities for us to take part in decision making and have our voices heard”.

Data gaps identified and action taken

Evidence would suggest that people wish to engage in planning though they are not always able to do so.

As part of the consultation on the Scottish Government’s proposals, we will be proactive in engaging with societal groups which may include the practical elements of supporting engagement, although the guidance does not focus on methods of engagement.

Characteristic: Religion or Belief

Evidence gathered and strength / quality of evidence

Some people from specific communities of interest and identity described finding it difficult to get involved in decisions, or having no experience of involvement at all.^[70] For example, some asylum seekers, EU citizens, foreign language groups, and some people from different ethnic minority groups described experiences of being detached from the wider community and formal decision-making organisations and forums. They did not know about local groups or understand whether and how they could get involved.

There is indication that the percentage of adults who agreed that they could influence decisions affecting their local area was similar for all religious groups: Other religion 25%, Christians 20%, no religion 21%.^[73]

Data gaps identified and action taken

Evidence would suggest that people wish to engage in planning though they are not always able to do so.

As part of the consultation on the Scottish Government’s proposals, we will be proactive in engaging with societal groups which may include the practical elements of supporting engagement, although the guidance does not focus on methods of engagement.

Characteristic: Marriage and Civil Partnership

This characteristic is not applicable to the guidance.