Intelligence led policy

Changes in the economy have an impact on every community; but just how will the impact of global economic change affect us locally?

The Highland area relies on public services and public sector employment, the Housing, Need and Demand Assessment, HNDA, tells us:

"The period between 1998 and 2007 saw sustained economic growth in Highland and 20,000 extra jobs were created."

"The main industry within Highland is the public sector which saw a rise in the percentage of employees from 25.0% in 1998 to 31.9% in 2007 (an increase of 12,500 jobs, just over half in health and social work and around a third in education). Other growth areas were banking finance and insurance (+5,400 jobs) distribution hotels and restaurants (+2,700 jobs) transport and communications (+1,200 jobs) and construction (+1,000 jobs). The sectors which saw a decline were energy and water (-1,800 jobs) manufacturing (-600 jobs) and agriculture and fishing (-400 jobs)."

It is vital that we have the right facts on which to base any plans for the future; economic forecasting is important.

Professor of Planning, SirPeter Hall wrote in 'Regen.net' recently:

"Experian isn't a name on everyone's lips. It's a fair bet that, if asked about it in the street, most people would return a blank stare

...It crunches data for a living..."

The Experian web site writes:

"Working in partnership with the public sector, Experian's insight, analysis and technology enables the efficient and effective delivery of public services to every UK citizen and business."

"Forecasting the future prospects of local, national and global economies is critical to the development and delivery of efficient public services."

"Safe and sustainable communities make effective use of resources, enhance the environment, promote social cohesion and inclusion and strengthen economic prosperity whilst offering services and infrastructure that are well-maintained, secure, accessible and cost-effective."

The HNDA is 'published in parallel' with the MIR and,

"...the feedback gained through consultation on the Development Plan Main Issues Report will be used to develop:

• The Local Housing Strategy which will be published in November 2009; and
• The Highland-Wide Local Development Plan, which will also be published in November 2009."

The HNDA is providing numbers and forecasts which will influence the proposed plan and the housing strategy, it is therefore important that we comment on how effectively it can help us to comment the Main Issues Report and inform the proposed plan.

Oh, and by the way, the dates above that are on the web site:

I spoke to someone form Highland Council Housing a couple of days ago and the Local Housing Strategy may not be out until January and the Development Plans Manager is informing those attending meetings that the proposed HwLDP will be out in 2010. Now I know that the Planning Department must be under a huge strain at the moment, but, I am tempted to say, so much for up to date info.