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4th March 2009
A survey has been carried out to seek local views on a range of issues relating to jobs and the economy in Aberdeenshire.
A fully integrated transport network was the most important economic development priority to emerge from the survey of the area’s Citizens’ Panel.
It was carried out in October and November last year, just as the country was beginning to feel the impact of economic pressures, and had a response rate of 77%.
A range of issues were explored by the survey, including: the economy of Aberdeenshire, harnessing our talent, new ways of working, being in business and self-sufficient communities.
Many of the questions in the survey were benchmarked with a similar survey undertaken in 2005, and the results are being used by Aberdeenshire Council and Scottish Enterprise.
Encouragingly, panel members are overall very positive about the visitor experience in Aberdeenshire, particularly with regard to the natural environment, visitor attractions and accommodation.
There is also significant support for home working, with the majority of panel members preferring to work in their own home if possible.
Thirty-two percent of respondents currently in work do so from home at least some of the time. This is highest in Marr (42%) and lowest in Banff and Buchan (25%). And compared to 2005, panel members are now more likely to feel Aberdeenshire is wealthier than it was ten years ago.
Despite the current downturn, confidence is high in both the short and long-term health of the economy.
Other key findings of the survey are:
• All seven priorities in the Aberdeen City and Shire Economic Action Plan Building on Energy were regarded as important or very important by a majority of the panel
• Panel members were quizzed on the development of small-scale business centres on the outskirts of Aberdeen City. Three quarters felt that this was a good idea
• On the whole respondents continue to feel that out of town shopping centres are a good idea. In order to make town centres more attractive, the panel strongly advocates more specialist niche shops and more parking for shoppers
Community Planning Partnership chairwoman and Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, Anne Robertson, said: “This survey demonstrates that, despite the harsh global financial climate, there is still a positive outlook regarding the economic situation in Aberdeenshire.
“We cannot take this for granted and must continue to work hard to ensure that we maintain this level of positivity, as well as continue to deliver a range of initiatives to support and encourage business development.
"This survey reminds us how fortunate we are to live in an area where the quality of life is high and we have a wonderful natural environment. Whilst the news headlines remind us of the global financial difficulties, we will look forwards to a bright future."
In Aberdeenshire, the panel consists of 1,250 residents who have signed up to be consulted on a quarterly basis.
In addition to these quarterly surveys, which cover a wide range of topics, panel members are occasionally invited to take part in focus groups. The Citizens’ Panel is run by the Aberdeenshire Community Planning Partnership, and is a way for local people to voice their opinions on local issues and influence key decision makers.
Ten partners work together in the Community Planning Partnership: Aberdeenshire Council, Grampian Police, NHS Grampian, Grampian Fire and Rescue Service, Nestrans, Scottish Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland, Community Councils, Councils for Voluntary Service and Local Rural Partnerships.
The full results of the survey, including a summary of the key findings, are available at: http://www.ouraberdeenshire.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=244&Itemid=36
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