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CHAPTER 2: ANALYSIS OF RESPONSES

REPORTING AND ANALYSIS

2.1 The following chapters document the substance of the analysis and present the main issues and views expressed in the responses. These follow broadly the ordering of questions in the consultation document.

2.2 Responses to the consultation questionnaire, which came mainly from individuals, were examined for themes and sub-themes, with each of these given a code number. Codes were entered into our statistical analysis package, SNAP, alongside data from the closed (tick box) questions and data tabulations were produced to show the strength and frequency of comments and which views were common to which types of respondent.

2.3 Responses which did not follow the consultation questionnaire structure were read and comments analysed; these responses were predominantly from organisations.

2.4 Throughout the report, charts are based on the quantitative data from those 418 individuals who replied to the consultation questions. Views contained in the organisational responses as well as responses from individuals who submitted free-flowing responses have been incorporated alongside data at relevant sections of the report. Where there was an opportunity to quantify answers from organisations this has also been reported.

2.5 Quantifiable data was available, for one or more of the questions, from almost half (45%) of the 86 organisational responses. These respondents have been classified as either:

• local government;
• tax, pay or finance;
• all other subgroups reported under the 'other' category.

2.6 Examining the responses of different sub-groups (of individuals); e.g. gender, age, working status; provided an opportunity to uncover any differences in opinions, attitudes or priorities. Where a particular sub-group showed a marked difference in their responses, this has been highlighted in the text.

2.7 Appropriate verbatim comments were selected both to illustrate key themes and to provide extra detail for any specific areas of interest.

GROUND RULES

Factual Accuracy

2.8 The views presented in this analysis have not been vetted in any way for factual accuracy. The opinions and comments submitted to the consultation may be based on fact or, indeed, may be based on what respondents perceive to be accurate, but which others may interpret differently. It is important for the analysis to represent views from all perspectives. The report, therefore, may contain analysis of responses which may be factually inaccurate or based on misunderstanding or misinformation on the issues but nevertheless reflect strongly held views. In some instances, such inaccuracies and misunderstandings will be relevant findings in themselves.

Interpretation of Findings

2.9 While the exercise was intended to give all those who wished to comment an opportunity to do so, views may not be representative of the Scottish population. This has to be borne in mind in interpreting the findings presented in this report.

2.10 Given the primarily self-selecting nature of any consultation exercise, it should be noted that any statistics quoted here cannot be extrapolated to a wider population outwith the consultation population.

2.11 Some of the organisational responses were highly technical and this report gives a general overview of the points raised. The detailed comments presented in these responses are being considered by the Scottish Government.

RESPONDENTS BY CATEGORY

2.12 Submissions were received from 516 respondents:

• those responding on behalf of an organisation 86 (17%);
• those responding as individuals 430 (83%).

Table 2.1 - Total number of respondents by category

Base: all respondents (516)

*Throughout this report 'representative/ support/ lobby' groups are referred to as 'representative'

2.13 As shown in table 2.2, 418 individuals who responded used the consultation questionnaire, whereas 12 gave their responses in a free-flowing format. Thirty-nine organisations responded using the consultation questionnaire, whereas 47 gave their responses in a free-flowing format.

RESPONSE TYPES

Table 2.2 - Response types

Base: all respondents (516)

(* Data from these 418 respondents has been used in the charts throughout this report)

2.14 Respondents submitted their views either by following the questions contained in the consultation document, or by way of a more free-flowing document. Quantitative (numeric) data was collected from the questionnaire responses while the free-flowing documents were read and their comments considered in relation to the proposals in the consultation document.

2.15 Where respondents have agreed to have their responses made public, these responses will be made available in the Scottish Government Library.

INDIVIDUAL PROFILE

2.16 Table 2.3 shows classification information from those 418 individuals who replied using the consultation questionnaire. As the figures show, more men (64%) than women (30%) replied to the consultation. Almost half of individual respondents (47%) were in full time employment and over half (56%) were married. 10% reported a health condition or disability.

2.17 The data from these 418 individuals has been used in charts throughout this report.

Table 2.3 - Individual profile data

Base: Those individuals replying using the consultation questionnaire (418)

* denotes less than 1%

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