High Level Summary of Equality Statistics: Key Trends for Scotland 2006

11. Housing

Introduction to Housing and Equality

This section of the High Level Summary of Equality Statistics ( HLSES) presents key information on housing and homelessness in Scotland across a number of equality dimensions including age, disability, ethnicity, gender and religion. It reflects key areas of activity identified in the main High Level Summary of Statistics ( HLSS) chapter on the housing ( http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics) from an equalities perspective and includes a few additional topics where these are particularly relevant to equality issues. Where the main HLSS publication presents data by any of these equality dimensions, these are also shown here for ease of reference.

As well as showing key high level trends, the analysis highlights where differences and potential areas of inequality may exist for housing and homelessness in Scotland for those groups outlined above. The analysis is not intended to provide a definitive set of equalities data and more detailed statistics across the equality dimensions, where available, are referenced in the links provided. It is also not possible to break down all topics by all equality dimensions.

There are limitations in how far some data can be broken down by the above equality dimensions. Data often contain small numbers, particularly in the case of smaller ethnic groups and to some extent disability. As such, some data show a high degree of volatility. In such instances, data may have been combined for multiple years or multiple ethnic groups, whilst in other cases data may be shown for a single year only. In other instances small data may have been suppressed in order to protect individuals' confidentiality

Possible reasons underlying the differences reported in this chapter are not detailed here. Factors which contribute to differences between equality groups represent a complex interplay of cultural, demographic and socio-economic factors and, as such are outwith the scope of this publication.

Stock and Tenure

Stock and Tenure: Gender & Household Type

The Scottish Household Survey estimates that 10% of male single parents own a property outright, compared to 5% of single female parents in 2005. Similarly, 46% of male single parents are buying a property with the help of a loan/ mortgage compared to 23% of female single parents. Nineteen per cent of female single parents rent from a housing association/ co-operative, compared to 8% of male single parents. These patterns show little change since 2001.

Source: Scottish Household Survey, 2005

Publication

Social Focus on Women and Men 2002 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/sfwm/docs/sfwm-00.asp

Web Link

Scottish Household Survey http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/16002/4031

Stock and Tenure: Disability

The Scottish Household Survey estimates that 32% of households containing at least one member with a disability only or long-term illness only reside in a property which is owned outright, in 2005 ¹. This compares to 27% of households which contain no members with a disability/ long-term illness. ¹

It is estimated that 47% of households containing members with no disability and/ or long-term illness reside in a property which is being bought with the help of a loan/ mortgage in 2005 ¹, whilst 22% of households containing at least one member with a long-term illness only or disability only are doing so ¹. Twenty-nine per cent households containing at least one member with a long-term illness only and 28% of households containing at least one member with a disability only, reside in a property which is being rented from a Local Authority/ Scottish Homes in 2005, compared to just 11% of households containing no members with a disability or long-term illness ¹.

These patterns show little change since 2001.

Source: Scottish Household Survey, 2005
Note: 1. Figures refer to households where at least one person in the household has a disability and/ or long-term illness. Therefore it should be noted that persons with a disability and/ or long-term illness residing in any of the types of tenure listed may not be the owner, person paying rent, mortgage holder etc as this may be another person in the household, for example a partner or parent.

Publication

Social Focus on Disability 2004 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/08/19818/41697

Web Link

Scottish Household Survey http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/16002/4031

Stock and Tenure: Ethnic Group

According to the 2001 Census, 67% of people in Scotland aged 16 years and above live in homes which are owned either outright or with a loan or mortgage. The rate is over 70% for people who are Pakistani, Other White British or Indian. The rate falls to less than 50% for people in the following groups; African, Black Scottish or Other Black and Other Ethnic Group.

Source: General Register Office for Scotland ( GROS) - 2001 Census

Publication

Analysis of Ethnicity in the 2001 Census - Summary Report http://www.scotland.gov.uk7ff5ee0f-3801-4607-b42e-2fbe7a66bf2d

Web Link

General Register Office for Scotland ( GROS) http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/

Stock and Tenure: Religion Group

According to the 2001 Census, 67% of people aged 16 years and over in Scotland live in homes which are owned either outright or with a loan or mortgage.

The highest rates of home ownership of all religion groups are for the following groups; Sikh (82%), Jewish (79%) and Church of Scotland (70%).

The lowest rates of home ownership are experienced by Hindus (59%), Buddhists (60%) and those from Another Religion (56%).

Source: General Register Office for Scotland ( GROS) - 2001 Census

Publication

Analysis of Religion in the 2001 Census - Summary Report http://www.scotland.gov.ukae6765c7-0478-454e-b59a-62c834c1ef84

Web Link

General Register Office for Scotland ( GROS) http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/

Housing Quality

Housing Dampness

Housing Dampness: Age

The Scottish House Condition Survey estimates that the number of working age adult and pensioner households with dampness has markedly decreased.

Between 1996 and 2003-04, the number of working age adult households with dampness has decreased from 130,000 to 71,000 (a fall of 45%). The number of pensioner households with dampness has decreased from 47,000 to 32,000 (a fall of 32%).

Source: Communities Scotland - Scottish House Condition Survey
Notes: 1. Figures for dampness and condensation must not be added to yield a composite figure as this will not necessarily be correct.
2. Figures have been categorised on the basis of whether the head of the household is of working age/ pensionable age. A pensioner household is recorded if the highest income householder is female and aged 60+ or male and aged 65+. It should be noted that elsewhere categories have been published on the basis of whether anybody of pensionable age/ working age is living in the household.
3. Figures cover the period October 2003 to September 2004.
4. These data are not National Statistics but are collected and managed according to National Statistics standards.

Web Link

Scottish House Condition Survey http://www.shcs.gov.uk

Housing Condensation

Housing Condensation: Age

The Scottish House Condition Survey estimates that the number of working age adult and pensioner households with condensation have markedly decreased.

Between 1996 and 2003-04 the number of working age adult households with condensation decreased from 348,000 to 177,000 (a fall of 49%). The number of pensioner households with condensation decreased from 101,000 to 66,000 (a fall of 35%).

Source: Communities Scotland - Scottish House Condition Survey
Notes: 1. Figures for dampness and condensation must not be added to yield a composite figure as this will not necessarily be correct.
2. Figures have been categorised on the basis of whether the head of the household is of working age/ pensionable age. A pensioner household is recorded if the highest income householder is female and aged 60+ or male and aged 65+. It should be noted that elsewhere categories have been published on the basis of whether anybody of pensionable age/ working age is living in the household.
3. Figures cover the period October 2003 to September 2004.
4. These data are not National Statistics but are collected and managed according to National Statistics standards.

Web Link

Scottish House Condition Survey http://www.shcs.gov.uk

Fuel Poverty

Central heating is an important factor in reducing the incidence of dampness or condensation, resulting in improved health and comfort of occupants, as well as the enhanced energy efficiency of the dwelling.

Fuel Poverty: Age

According to the Scottish House Condition Survey ( SHCS) 2003-04, the majority of pensioner households living in fuel poverty (66% or 127,000 in number) were given a moderate energy rating. 17% or 32,000 pensioner households living in fuel poverty were given a poor energy rating and 18% (34,000 pensioner households) were given a good energy rating.

Source: Communities Scotland - Scottish House Condition Survey
Notes:
1. Figures have been categorised on the basis of whether the head of the household is of pensionable age. A pensioner household is recorded if the highest income householder is female and aged 60+ or male and aged 65+. It should be noted that elsewhere categories have been published on the basis of whether anybody of pensionable age lives in the household.
2. Fuel poverty is defined as per the Fuel Poverty Statement. It states that a household is in fuel poverty if it would be required to spend more than 10% of its income (including Housing Benefit or Income Support for Mortgage Interest) on all household fuel use. Previous years may use a different definition of fuel poverty as per the Scottish House Conditions Survey 1996 Fuel Poverty Report and such data are not directly comparable.
3. Data cover the period October 2003 to September 2004.
4. These data are not National Statistics but are collected and managed according to National Statistics standards.

Web Link

Scottish House Condition Survey http://www.shcs.gov.uk

Fuel Poverty: Age & Household Type

The Scottish House Condition Survey estimates that single pensioners households and older smaller households ¹ were most likely to be fuel poor in 2003-04. Of all single pensioner households, 35% were fuel poor and of all older smaller households, 27% were fuel poor.

Source: Communities Scotland, Scottish House Condition Survey
Notes: 1. 'Small Adult' refers to a household containing two adults of non-pensionable age.
'Small Family' refers to a household containing two adults of any age and one or two children.
'Large Family' refers to a household containing two adults of any age and three or more children, or three or more adults of any age and one or more children.
'Large Adult' refers to a household containing three or more adults and no children.
'Older Smaller' refers to a household containing one adult of non-pensionable age and one of pensionable age and no children, or two adults of pensionable age and no children.
2. These data are not National Statistics but are collected and managed according to National Statistics standards.
3. Pensionable age is 60 years and over for females and 65 years and over for males.

Web Link

Scottish House Condition Survey http://www.shcs.gov.uk

Perceptions & Neighbourhoods

The Scottish Household Survey asks respondents about which aspects of their immediate neighbourhood they like and dislike. The data collected yield a very large number of such aspects, however the analyses presented below show only the top ten aspects of neighbourhoods liked and disliked by different groups of people.

Perceptions & Neighbourhoods: Gender

According to the Scottish Household Survey, there is relatively little difference in the top 10 aspects of neighbourhoods which males and females liked as a place to live in 2005.

A quiet/ peaceful neighbourhood is the most liked top 10 aspect of neighbourhoods for both males (58%) and females (55%). However only 11% of both males and females reported that they liked the neighbourhood because the area is well maintained.

Similarly there is little, although some, difference in the top 10 aspects of neighbourhoods which males and females disliked. Forty-seven per cent of males and 45% of females report that they disliked nothing about their neighbourhoods. This was followed by a dislike of young people hanging about (15% of both males and females) and vandalism and graffiti (8% of both males and females).

Of the top 10 aspects of neighbourhoods disliked, only males included nowhere for children to play (4%) and alcohol abuse (4%) were in their top 10, whilst only females included poor public transport (5%) and problems with neighbours (5%) in their top 10.

Source: Scottish Household Survey, 2005

Publication

Social Focus on Women and Men 2002 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/sfwm/docs/sfwm-00.asp

Web Link

Scottish Household Survey http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/16002/4031

Perceptions & Neighbourhoods: Age

According to the Scottish Household Survey, there is relatively little, though some, difference in the top 10 aspects of neighbourhoods which working age adults and pensioners liked as a place to live in 2005. Working age adults are defined as males aged between 16 and 64 years and females aged between 16 and 59 years. Pensioners are defined as males aged 65 years and over and females aged 60 years and over.

A quiet/ peaceful neighbourhood is the most liked aspect of neighbourhoods for both working age adults (56%) and pensioners (57%). Convenient shops/ other amenities, good neighbours and friendly people were also ranked highly.

Of the top 10 aspects of neighbourhoods liked, for working age adults (but not pensioners) these included other aspects (15%) and good local shops (13%), whilst only area well maintained (13%) and community Spirit (12%) reached the pensioners top 10 (but not the working age adults top ten).

Of the top 10 aspects of neighbourhoods disliked, 55% of pensioners and 43% of working age adults reported that there was nothing they disliked. Young people hanging about and vandalism and graffiti were ranked highly as dislikes by both working age adults and pensioners.

Of the top 10 aspects of neighbourhoods disliked, alcohol abuse (5%) and nowhere for children to play (5%) were included in the top 10 for working age adults (but not pensioners), whilst only pensioners included poor public transport (4%) and problems with dogs (3%) in their top 10.

Source: Scottish Household Survey, 2005

Publication

Social Focus on Women and Men 2002 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/sfwm/docs/sfwm-00.asp

Web Link

Scottish Household Survey http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/16002/4031

Perceptions & Neighbourhoods: Disability

According to the Scottish Household Survey, there is relatively little, though some, difference in the top 10 aspects of neighbourhoods which people with a disability and/ or long-term illness and people with no disability or long-term illness liked and disliked as a place to live in 2005.

A quiet/ peaceful neighbourhood is the most liked aspect of neighbourhoods for people with a disability and/or long-term illness (54%) and those with no disability and/or long-term illness (58%). The former group ranked good neighbours as the second most liked aspect (43%), whereas this was ranked third by the latter group (35%). Community spirit was only included in the top 10 by those with a disability and/ or long-term illness and only area well maintained was included in the top 10 by those with no disability and/or long-term illness.

Fifty-one per cent of respondents with a disability and/ or long-term illness reported that they disliked nothing about their neighbourhoods, compared to 47% of people with no disability and/ or long-term illness. Young people hanging about was the most disliked aspect of neighbourhoods for both groups (14% of both people with a disability and/or long-term illness and people with no disability and/or long-term illness). Only the former group included nowhere for children to play and alcohol abuse in their top 10 dislikes, and only the latter group included too much traffic and fast/ speeding traffic in their top 10 dislikes.

Source: Scottish Household Survey 2005

Publication

Social Focus on Disability 2004 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/08/19818/41697

Web Link

Scottish Household Survey http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/16002/4031

Special Adaptations in the Home

Special Adaptations in the Home: Disability & Gender

The 2005 Scottish Household Survey estimates that the most frequent piece of special equipment/ adaptation required in the home for both females (56%) and males (52%) with a disability or long-term illness is a handrail. This is followed closely by a walking stick or crutches, 51% of females and 50% of males. The least common piece of special equipment/ adaptation for the home was a downstairs toilet, 0.07% of females and 0.14% of males.

Source: Scottish Household Survey 2005

Publication

Social Focus on Disability 2004 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/08/19818/41697

Web Link

Scottish Household Survey http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/16002/4031

Homelessness

Homeless Applications to Local Authorities

Homeless Applications to Local Authorities: Gender

In 2004-05, 51% of all applications to Local Authorities as homeless were made by males and 49% were made by females.

The number of homeless applications by males has risen from 24,686 in 2002-03 to 27,584 in 2004-05 (a rise of 12%). For females the number has risen from 23,175 to 26,681 (a rise of 15%).

Source: Scottish Executive Housing Statistics

Publications

Social Focus on Women and Men 2002 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/stats/sfwm/docs/sfwm-00.asp

Operation of the Homeless Persons legislation in Scotland (Published 2005) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/03/27113728/0

Homeless Applications to Local Authorities: Age

For 2004-05, the rate of homeless applications to Local Authorities was highest for those aged 16 to 24 years (35 per 1,000 population), followed by those aged 25 to retirement age (14 per 1,000 population). Those of retirement age or over represent a very small proportion (1 per 1,000 population). Rates have remained similar since 2002-03.

Source: Scottish Executive Housing Statistics
Notes:
1. '25 Yrs to Retirement Age' is defined as females aged between 25 to 59 years and males aged between 25 and 64 years. 'Retirement Age and Over' is defined as females aged 60 years and over and males aged 65 years and over.

Publication

Operation of the Homeless Persons legislation in Scotland (Published 2005) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/03/27113728/0

Homeless Applications to Local Authorities: Disability

In general, the number of disabled people making a homeless application to Local Authorities assessed as being a priority need (due to having a physical disability or learning disability) increased between 1992-93 and 2001-02, when the number peaked at 1,406. Figures from 2002 onwards are not comparable with figures for previous years due to changes in recording ² but have remained relatively constant since 2002-03.

Source: Scottish Executive Housing Statistics
Notes: 1. Figures represent applicants assessed as being in priority need due to having a physical disability or learning need. This will not include applicants who may have disabilities but are recorded as being in priority need for some other reason.
2. The HL1 return was revised from 2001 to include a wider range of priority need categories, and this may have affected the recording of applicants assessed as being in priority need due to having disabilities.

Publications

Social Focus on Disability 2004 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/08/19818/41697

Operation of the Homeless Persons Legislation in Scotland (Published 2005) http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/03/27113728/0

Experience of Homelessness

Experience of Homelessness: Disability

The Scottish Household Survey estimates that people who have ever experienced homelessness are more likely to have with a disability or long-term illness.

Of people who have ever experienced homelessness, 6.5% reported having a disability or long-term illness in 2003-2004 ¹. This compares to 3.3% of those who do not report a disability or long-term illness. Comparable proportions for 2001-2002 ¹ are 5.8% and 2.7% respectively.

Source: Scottish Household Survey
Note: 1. Data covering two survey years have been combined due to small numbers.

Publication

Social Focus on Disability 2004 http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2004/08/19818/41697

Web Link

Scottish Household Survey http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/16002/4031