Annual Report 2025/26 - Data Updates and Analysis

There has been no update to the satisfaction with public services indicator since the 2023 figure (53%). The Scottish Household Survey team have confirmed that the 2023 figure will be the last update made, and that the combined public service indicator has been dropped.

In 2024, 21% of people felt they could influence decisions affecting their local area, a 3% decline on the previous year, which was already the lowest level recorded since monitoring began in 2016. This represents a 13% decrease from a peak of 34% in 2021 and is now lower than the baseline. Shetland has slipped down the ranking of Scottish Local Authority areas, to 11th, having previously been amongst the highest ranking.  It is still above the Scottish average of 19%. 

30% of people said they wanted greater involvement in decision making in 2024, the same percentage as the previous year. This is a 15% decrease from 2021. This compares to a Scottish average of 33.5%.  The indicator does not explain why demand for greater involvement has fallen and should be interpreted alongside evidence on influence, engagement and participation.

There were Community Council elections in November 2025.  There was an emphasis on publicity to promote the elections, but there were no Community Council seats contested.  There were 115 nominations received, of which 114 were eligible, filling 70% of the 163 seats. By 31st March 2026, a further 23 members had been co-opted, meaning 137 seats, or 84%, were filled.