Mapping Socio-Economic Performance in Rural Scotland

Abstract

Scottish Neighbourhood Statistics (SNS) is a unique data set that provides information for each of more than 6500 geo-referenced data zones within Scotland. Based on SNS data, this paper develops a multi-component indicator of socio-economic performance which may aid the Scottish Government in assessing, within its National Performance Framework, the well-being of its citizens in rural areas. The results show generally but not universally high correlations between the components of the indicator, and marked spatial variation of the indicator itself. High-performing areas include the hinterlands of some but not all Scottish cities, and some relatively remote areas, while the relatively poorly performing data zones are found in most but not all of the more remote rural regions. When updated with 2011 data, the performance indicator could aid in formulating more targeted policies aimed at addressing differences – e.g. in well-being – between rural areas.

Key Words:

• socio-economic performance
• rural areas
• policy

Notes

¹ See http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/08/2010UR/Q/pno/5.

² In response to a reviewer's comment, a house price index was used as an alternative indicator of “Wealthier”; this resulted in very little change in the values and rankings.

³ The socio-economic performances of accessible and remote small towns are not significantly different from each other at the 5% level, while all other socio-economic performance levels are significantly different from each other.

⁴ The Purpose and Objectives have survived a national election (in 2011), and can therefore be presumed to represent more than mere rhetoric on behalf of the Scottish Government and the Scottish National Party.

⁵ According to a recent (November 2012) Census ‘Outputs Prospectus’, census results at the data zone level will be made available ‘… on a rolling basis from summer 2013. This release will represent the start of the dissemination of detailed census statistics for small areas’. SIMD data for 2009 are due to be published in December 2012.