Scottish household survey 2016: key findings

Local services

Satisfaction with local services

Local services

In 2016, 56% of adults were satisfied with three public services: local health services, schools and public transport.

Satisfaction with the three public services is at its lowest level since first measured in 2007, and down from a peak of 66% in 2011.

Satisfaction with the three public services among service users is generally higher than that of the whole adult population, and is more stable over time.

Adults living in urban areas were more satisfied with the quality of the three public services than those in small towns and rural areas – mainly due to greater satisfaction with public transport.

Involvement with decision making

In 2016, just over a third (34%) of adults said they would like to be more involved in the decisions their council makes. 23% agreed that they can influence decisions affecting their local area.

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.