Archived reports
2006
Discussion Paper on the Regulation of Christmas (Hamper) Saving Schemes
December 2006
261KB
This report provides full findings of our research into the complaints system in education. SCC have also produced a summary of the research findings, click here to view summary report.
620KB December 2006
Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress Bill - Second reading 4 December 2006
Parliamentary briefing
39KB December 2006
Scrutiny and the Consumer
This paper outlines the SCC approach to the scrutiny of public services, including all inspection, auditing, regulation and complaints handling functions. It argues for greater consumer involvement and focus in the activities of scrutiny bodies and for the results of these activities to be visible and available to consumers.
288KB November 2006
Wills and Awareness of Inheritance Rights in Scotland
Summary 453KB September 2006
Full Report 719KB September 2006
For more information on wills, please visit http://www.willaid.org.uk
Building on Success: Consumer satisfaction with public services
521KB June 2006
Consumers' knowledge of their health rights
300KB April 2006
(a summary of the above report is available here)
Lost in translation - report of a seminar held on 24 March 2006
The seminar was organized jointly with NHS Health Scotland and the National Resource Center for Ethnic Minority Health (NRCEMH). The report contains an agenda for action based on the seminar discussions, which outlines what is required in Scotland in relation to translated health information.
March 2006
The Regulation of New House Building in Scotland
Report of a seminar held jointly by the Scottish Consumer Council and the Law Society of Scotland on the Regulation of New House Building in Scotland.
193KB March 2006
Guidelines aim to stop inappropriate commercial activity in Scots schools
These guidelines are designed to prevent children being exposed to inappropriate commercial activities in schools. They are published by the Scottish Consumer Council with the support of the Scottish Executive, COSLA and the CBI. A poster accompanying the guidelines is also available.
275KB March 2006
(Research report on the desirability and content of proposed guidelines on commercial activities in Scottish schools.)
The National Parents' Forum - Options for the establishment for a new national parents' body
This paper discusses the options for the establishment of a National Parents’ Forum, to support and develop the proposed Parent Councils and to represent parents at national level. It recommends that:
•A working group be convened with the Scottish Executive acting as secretariat and an independent chair, to further consider the funding and organizational options for a National Parents’ Forum.
•The Scottish Executive establish a National Parents’ Forum to promote parental involvement and representation in education, based on the recommendations of the working group.
371KB February 2006
Housing Disrepair in Scotland
This briefing paper updates a 2004 report by SCC on the motivations of owner occupiers to maintain and repair their properties. Using data from the Scottish House Conditions Survey the briefing argues that there is some corroboration that older households are more reactive and reticent with respect to repair than others. The briefing also raises questions over the use of grants where a works notice has been served. SCC suggests that more creative and innovative support is provided to owners who need to undertake repairs.
252KB January 2006
2005
Traveling to School - December 2005
(a full version of the research findings is available by clicking here)
Health Online: public attitudes to data sharing in the NHS
(a summary report is also available by clicking here)
The Civil Justice system in Scotland - a case for review?
The final report of the Civil Justice Advisory Group (a summary report is also available by clicking here.)
744KB November 2005
Report by the working group on the publication of hygiene information
160KB November 2005
Making the Difference
Scottish Consumer Council (in association with MORI Scotland) research on parents' views of Scottish Executive proposals to improve parental involvement and representation in schools. (A summary is also available by clicking here).
543KB September 2005
165KB July 2005
At a crossroads: getting the UK car servicing and repair sector back on track
June 2005
Scots not Plugging into
Internet Access, says SCC
907KB June 2005
A summary of this report can be downloaded here (158KB).
128KB May 2005
A summary of this report can be downloaded here.
Representing and involving parents: a discussion paper
128KB May 2005
Report of omnibus survey on the awareness and perceptions of mediation in Scotland
241KB March 2005
Preparing for the EURO in Scotland
984KB March 2005
Bridging the Gap: improving access to primary healthcare services for disabled people
185KB March 2005
Bridging the gap: improving access
to primary healthcare services for
disabled people
A summary and checklist for primary healthcare providers
129KB March 2005
Consumer Information on the Inspection of Food Premises
115KB March 2005
Regulation of the New House Building Market in Scotland
247KB March 2005
A Review of School
Transport Contracts
in Scotland
A Summary of this report can be downloaded here.
228KB January 2005
In the Shadows: Emergency out of hours social work services in Scotland
220KB January 2005
Strengthening the links between parents, children and Scottish education providers
256KB January 2005
Strengthening the links between parents, children and the Scottish education providers
256KB January 2005
Parents as Consumers of Education
Report of findings of a 2002 survey of over 1000 parents in Scotland carried out as part of the National Debate on Education. We are publishing this online in 2005 as a contribution to the current Parental Involvement debate.
215KB November 2002
2004
The involvement of lay people in the inspection of public services
276KB December 2004
Consuming for good? The role of consumers in driving responsible business
532KB September 2004
Making consumer
organizations work for consumers in Scotland
Why we need strong consumer organizations.
315KB July 2004
BBC news and the
scottish six
Scottish Consumers' views on value for money and the licence fee.
42KB March
2004
Food law enforcement
A study of the views of environmental health and food safety officers
in Scotland.
220KB February 2004
Feeding the interest
A discussion of the potential benefits of the local food sector to the
economy, the environment, communities and health in Scotland.
615KB February 2004
How do you rate
your council?
Report on the findings of a multi-method study of local government performance
information, including a checklist for accessible public performance reporting.
200KB February
2004
Will the real owner-occupier
please stand up?
What motivates owner-occupier repair and maintenance expenditure in Scotland?
148KB January 2004
2003
Consumer education in Scotland
Scottish Consumer Council briefing paper.
112KB December 2003
Free by post
Policy paper on increasing the financial limit in small claims procedure.
104KB November 2003
Free by post
A class of their own
Why Scotland needs a Class Actions Procedure.
104KB September 2003
ISBN 0-9543408-7-6 £10.00 by post
Power Struggle?
Research into consumers' experiences of dealing with gas and electricity suppliers
92KB June 2003
ISBN 0-9543408-5-X £10.00 by post
Open House?
A Study of Tenants Organizations in Scotland
1.18MB March 2003
ISBN 0-9543408-4-1 £14.00 by post
Who Benefits?
Research into consumers' views and awareness of changes to benefits and state pension payments at post offices.
97KB February 2003
ISBN 0-9543408-1-7 £10.00 by post
Knowledge of Consumer Rights in Scotland
173KB February 2003
ISBN 0-9543408-3-3 £10.00 by post
Parent's Views on Children's Oral Health
115KB February 2003
ISBN 0-9543408-2-5 £10.00 by post
A Consumer Agenda for the Scottish Parliament
205KB January 2003
Free by post
Reports 2002
Parents as Consumers of Education
Report of findings of a 2002 survey of over 1000 parents in Scotland carried out as part of the National Debate on Education.
2.15MB
November 2002
Consumer Views of Community
Pharmacies
116KB
September 2002 ISBN 0-907067-99-9 £10.00 by post
The Regulation of Mental
Health Care- Policy Paper
93KB
September 2002 ISBN 0-907067-94-8 £10.00 by post
The Regulation of Mental
Health Care- Discussion Paper
167KB
October 2001 ISBN 0-907067-94-8 £10.00 by post
Consultation and Public Involvement
in Service Change- Research Report
220KB
September 2002 £6.00 by post
Consultation and Public Involvement
in Service Change- Summary Report
31KB
September 2002 £6.00 by post
Parents' views of and involvement
with the Scottish Education System
A research report contributing to the National Education Debate
prepared by Carole Millar Research on behalf of the Scottish Consumer
Council and the Scottish Parenting Forum
192KB
August 2002 Free by post
Gathering Evidence
Researching the consumer issues of the future
783KB
July 2002 ISBN 0-907067-93-X Free by post
Use of Patient Surveys in the NHS
101KB
July 2002 Free by post
Public involvement structures
for the NHS: A Pre-consultation - Research Report
185KB
Public involvement structures
for the NHS: A Pre-consultation - Summary Research Report
41KB
Consumer Representation: Making
It Work
122KB
March 2002 ISBN 1-899581-77-4 Free by post
Young People and Food Safety
-
Research Report
561KB
February 2002 ISBN 0-907067-97-2 £10.00 by post
Young People and Food Safety
-
Summary of Report
260KB
February 2002 ISBN 0-907067-84-0 free by post
A New Route?
Views on local bus services in Scotland
216KB
January 2002 ISBN 0-907067-97-2 £10.00 by post
Reaching Out
The consumer perspective on communications in Scotland
171KB
January 2002 ISBN 0-907067-79-4 £10.00 by post
Consumers and Communications
in Scotland
263KB
January 2002 £10.00 by post
Reports 2001
Consensus Without Court
Encouraging mediation in non-family civil disputes in Scotland
156KB
ISBN 0 907067 95 6 £10 by post
Food In Schools Conference Report
Report of the national conference held in Stirling Management
Centre, University of Stirling, on 14 May 2001
750KB
November 2001 ISBN 0-907067-74-3 £10.00 by post
School Meals Service in Scotland
167KB
November 2001 ISBN 0-907067-83-2 £10.00 by post
Regulation of Mental Health
Care
166KB
October 2001 ISBN 0-907067-78-6 £10.00 by post
The healthcare of older people
report of a Consumer Network survey - September 2001
153KB
Access to Primary Care Services
in Scotland
194KB
September 2001 ISBN 0-907067-73-5 £12.00 by post
The Limits of Self-Regulation
in the Legal Profession
A consumer view of the Law Society of Scotland’s handling of complaints
about solicitors
105KB
2001 ISBN 0-907067-96-4 £10.00 by post
Consumers and the House-buying
Process in Scotland
108KB
June 2001 ISBN 0-907067-92-1 £10.00 by post
Where Do They Go For Advice?
A Pilot Study of Parents’ Views and Experiences of Independent Educational
Advice
145KB
March 2001 ISBN 0-907067-90-5 £10.00 by post
Ecommerce and Consumer Protection
Consumers – real needs in a virtual world
110KB
March 2001 ISBN 0-907067-87-5 £10.00 by post
Better Business Practice
How to make self-regulation work for consumers and business
162KB
January 2001 ISBN 1-899581-42-1
Reports 2000
Home Truths
A report on research into the experiences of recent house buyers
in Scotland.
1.1MB
August 2000 ISBN 0 907067-85-9 £14.00 by post
Home Works
Local authorities' approaches to working with home educating parents in
Scotland.
174KB
July 2000 ISBN 0-907067-81-6 £10.00 by post
Sustainable Development and
the Consumer
117KB
January 2000 ISBN 0-907067-77-8 £12.50 by post
Reports 1999
Complaints about solicitors
A study of consumers' experiences of the Law Society of Scotland's
complaints procedure
1.1MB
January 1999 ISBN 0-907067-65-4 £10.00 by post
Charging on
A survey of local authority practice in providing information about charges
for non-residential community care services
2.48MB
June 1999 ISBN 0-907067-72-7 £10.00 by post
Designed to Involve: public
involvement in the new primary care structures
136KB
ISBN 0907067 689
Independent education advice
provision for parents in Scotland
386KB
May 1999 ISBN 0-907067-69-7 £10.00 by post
In a fix
The views and experiences of owner occupiers in Scotland
sharing common repairs responsibilities with the Council
457KB
July 1999 ISBN 0-907067-71-9 £12.00 by post
Reports 1998
Who Deals With This
Accountability, complaints and contract monitoring in
Scottish local authorities.
247KB
November 1998 ISBN 0-907067-64-6 £10.00 by post
Factors in Common
Report on research into how local authorities manage common repairs to property in mixed ownership in Scotland.
2.3MB May 1998
The Right to Compensation for Improvements
2.4MB 1998
Reports 1997
SCC Education Review 1975-1997
The Scottish Consumer Council's report on the Scottish education system.
2.20MB 1997
Civil Disputes In Scotland. Summary of a report from the SCC
Report providing a summary of Scottish consumer's experiences in civil disputes
1.27MB April 1997
Report on the possibilities and pitfalls of retirement
5.26MB May 1997
The Use of Lay People in the Inspection of Public Services
2.70MB January 1997
Food in the Community. Directory of Scottish community food initiates
A report designed for use by people who work with food issues in the community.
1.56MB July 1997
A Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Consumer
A report on the expected impact of a Scottish parliament on the Scottish consumers.
869KB March 1997
Reports 1996
Cars and the Environment. A Policy Paper
A report on the impact of transport on the environment with particular attention given to the impact in rural areas.
2.44MB June 1996
Charging for Residential Care- Liable Relatives and Deliberate Disposals
669KB May 1996
Moving House in Scotland: A guide to buying, selling and renting
2.21MB 1996
The Private Rented Sector in Scotland. Proposals for a new research agenda
A report urging policy makers and research funders to focus on private sector renting.
1.15MB November 1996
Client Care: a report of a survey on the client care provided by solicitors in Scotland
3MB September 1996
Under Cover: home contents insurance schemes for local authority tenants in Scotland
1.85MB March 1996
Sustainable Transport Policy and People Living in Rural Areas
A report addressing local transport concerns in rural Scotland
1.80MB June 1996
The experience of young disabled people as consumers in Scotland.
4.75MB September 1996
A report assessing the impact of economic instruments on consumers, scoping study.
1.62MB July 1996
Reports 1995
Consulting parents about out of school care in scotland: An action guide for School Boards
568KB March 1995
SCC Evaluation of the NHS Helpline
A repot to the address the effectiveness of the service provided by the NHS and gain an overall view of its operation, with attention given to such issues as cost effectiveness, public awareness and accessibility to the public.
3.29MB December 1995
The Legal System of Scotland 1st edition
2.12MB 1995
A Manifesto for Low Income Consumers
6.19 MB April 1995
Reports 1994
A report on complaints and redress in Scottish schools.
2.88MB August 1994
Your Rights and Responsibilities
A personal guide for Scottish consumers.
4.95MB 1994
A Guide to Good Practice for the NHS in Scotland
4.83MB 1994
Report on Scottish diet and ways to improve eating habits.
323KB August 1994
Getting the Best From Your Solicitor
Report on the rights and responsibilities of a consumer when dealing with a solicitor.
1.07MB 1994
A practical guide to rights of access to personal information.
2.88MB 1994
Impact of the Citizen's Charter
1.42MB September 1994
Report on the price of living on a low income.
9.87MB 1994
Disadvantage in Rural Scotland
Summary report contributing toward understanding the complexities and needs of rural areas. 2.50MB August 1994
A report of attitudes and concerns among older people in Scotland.
2.10MB March 1994
Department of Trade and Industry Review of the National Consumer Council
5.17MB May 1994
Post Offices in Scotland: A report to the SCC
2.05MB September 1994
Reports 1993
Guidance for Recent School Leavers in Non-Advanced Further Education
3.43MB February 1993
Report on public access to information about local authority air pollution control.
2.09MB March 1993
Consumer Issues Affecting the Elderly in the Housing Market
3.52MB April 1993
Customer Research on Housing Repair Services in West Lothian District Council
1.90MB May 1993
Keeping the Customer Satisfied
Customer research on the housing repairs service in the West Lothian District Council.
1.93MB August 1993
Access to Justice for Ethnic Minorities
Report in to the use of the justice system in Scotland by Ethnic minorities, the first report of this nature.
1.83MB May 1993
A review of information available to the public in Chief Constables' annual reports.
1.32MB January 1993
Report of the of the facilities for babies and children while traveling on public transport.
11.42MB March 1993
Reports 1992
Report on GP and hospital services.
1.88MB November 1992
Report of reception services at council offices in Scotland.
1.52MB December 1992
Reports 1991
Information for Local People about Emergency Procedures at Nuclear Power Stations.
2.62MB 1991
Access to Environment and Safety Information
Report on the ease of access to environmental and safety information for consumers.
1.63MB October 1991
Report on the level of priority to consumers after sales service.
1.14MB September 1991
Consumer Services in Urban Schemes
Report to investigate and asses the problems faced by consumers in urban housing schemes.
6.19MB May 1991
Reports 1990
Management Training for the head teachers: module on "The School in its Community"
252KB March 1990
Support Service for School Boards
Report on Education Authority Initiatives.
1.09MB August 1990
The Law of the School: School Boards
726KB 1990
Consumer Representation in the Scottish Health Service
Report on the future of Local Health Councils.
518KB April 1990
Report on purchasers' experiences in the property market, looking to council housing as well as private housing.
3.31MB December 1990
Small Claims in Scotland-A Discussion Paper
Investigate and asses the successes and failures of the small claims court in Scotland after its first two years in operation.
2.66MB August 1990
A study of the systems of appointment and training of Justices of the Peace and members of Social Security Appeals Tribunals and Children's Panels in Scotland.
2.98MB March 1990
A review of facilities in Scotland's District Courts.
1.32MB March 1990
Reports 1989
Report of a Qualitative Survey on Buying a Public Sector House
474KB July 1989
Report of a Study to Investigate the Attitudes to the Small Claim Procedure in Scotland
691KB November 1989
An analysis of the Scottish second hand car dealer licensing system.
2.31MB January 1989
Report of a survey on the small claims procedure
162KB October 1989
Changes in Rural Service Provision in Scotland
A Report for the SCC looking at services such as transport, energy and education in the highlands.
1.90MB 1989
Reports 1988
Information about children's schooling and other matters.
7.79MB 1988
Development of the Seabed in Scotland
Report questioning the leasing of the seabed by the Crown Estate and also looking at the growth of fish farming.
1.47MB May 1988
A review of advice services in Scotland.
2.57MB October 1988
Debt Advice in Scotland: A report for the SCC
A comprehensive report on money advice in Scotland.
4.40MB 1988
A report to look at the extent of debt problems in Scotland.
1.60MB February 1988
Consumer Problems in Rural Areas- Supply Side Update, First Stage
1.26MB 1988
A report on Safety, supervision and standards of service and analysis of parents views and local authority policies.
1.81MB August 1988
Bus Deregulation Monitoring Study-Second Report
A report on the effect of bus deregulation, brought about by the 1985 Transport Act, on the consumer.
2.86MB August 1988
Reports 1987
A parent's guide to education law in scotland
24.24MB 1987
An analysis of brochures produces for old people entering residential and nursing homes in Scotland.
1.64MB November 1987
Report on the Survey on the use of Solicitors
426KB September 1987
Paying for Local Government. The Community Charge
A Report to the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the SCC.
3.42MB October 1987
Report looking at the advice and information on debt in Scotland.
3.72MB March 1987
Bus Deregulation Monitoring Study. Monitoring Report
3.37MB July 1987
Reports 1986
Curriculum Guidelines for Consumer Education
768KB 1986
A Directory of Doctors Services
Final Report of a Pilot Study for the Association of Scottish Local Health Councils, Edinburgh Local Health Council and the SCC.
3.21MB 1986
A report on written materials produced by Scottish public landlords for their tenants.
2.52MB 1986
Valuation Appeals: Do domestic ratepayers get a fair hearing?
2.77MB 1986
"I'm not happy with my solicitor.."
Report about the way in which complaints regarding solicitors are handled.
1.8MB April 1986
Report on freedom of information in new town development corporations.
806KB July 1986
Report in response to the Governments green paper 'Paying for Local Government'.
3.2MB 1986
Report on a survey carried out to assess the nature and extent of money advice in Scotland.
2.82MB 1986
Making the Case for Rural Schools
A rural forum guide for parents.
722KB September 1986
3.45MB June 1986
998KB September 1986
Reports 1985
A report on the access to local authority information and meetings in Scotland.
789KB March 1985
Reports 1984
Marketing Boards, Private Food Companies, Retailers and the Consumer
A general study of the role of the statutory food marketing boards.
500KB 1984
A study of access to social security tribunals in Scotland.
2.17MB 1984
A report for flat Owners in Scotland.
4.12MB 1984
Counter Benefits: Making Contact with the DHSS
Report examining the quality of service provided by the Department of Health & Social Security.
8.12MB December 1984
Local Authority Annual Reports in Scotland
2.69MB July 1984
Reports 1983
Report on progress with insulation in Scottish public sector homes.
5.18MB 1983
Terms of Tenancy: An analysis of new leases issues to public sector tenants in Scotland
4.88MB May 1983
A Call for Advice: An evaluation of two rural advice
6.03MB February 1983
Advice and Information Services in Rural Areas and Small Communities
2.43MB March 1983
Rural Scotland Price Survey for 1982
1.2MB March 1983
Freedom of the Air
Report on competition and the domestic airlines
998KB June 1983
Reports 1982
The Book of the School: a study of handbooks for parents issues by schools in Scotland
15.2 MB May 1982
Patients' Rights. A guide to the rights and responsibilities of patients and doctors in the NHS
7.4MB July 1982
A report on problems of access to information
2.4MB 1982
Class Actions in the Scottish Courts: A new way to obtain redress?
A report to examine the definition of a class action and circumstances in which such action would be useful
2.69MB May 1982
Consumer Problems in Rural Areas
A report looking at concerns in rural communities such as transport, education, housing and social services.
7.2MB June 1982
Deregulation of the United Kingdom Airline System
1.53 MB December 1982
Review of six years of SCC work: Staff Paper
A report on the SCC's progress in the previous 6 years
995KB 1982
Reports 1981
Building Societies-Valuations and Surveys
506KB 1981
Dundee Voluntary Small Claims Scheme, Information Officer's Report
493KB 1981
Rural Scotland Price Survey: A report from the SCC and The Highlands & Islands Development Board.
1.01MB 1981
Ferry Services for the Scottish Islands
A discussion paper prepared by the SCC and G.A Mackay.
503KB 1981
Reports 1980
Milk in Scotland a Consumer View
579KB May 1980
Tenants Associated: A survey of tenants groups in Scotland
978KB October 1980
Dundee Voluntary Small Claims Scheme, Information Officer's Report
2.33MB March 1980
A review of the Home Insulation Scheme in Scotland.
3.16 July 1980
Reports 1979
An exploratory study of parents and schooling in Scotland.
1.2MB 1979
SCC Report on Tenancy Agreements in Scotland
916KB 1979
Rural Scotland Price Survey 1979 1st Quarter
532KB June 1979
Rural Scotland Price Survey 1979 2nd Quarter
782KB September 1979
Rural Scotland Price Survey 1979 3rd Quarter
1.10MB December 1979
Competition Policy and the Scottish Air Traveler
456KB 1979
Competition and the Scottish Air Traveler. Forum Report
4.99MB September 1979
A hand book of public transport.
2.20MB September1979
Reports 1978
A report on the access to primary services in the Western Isles.
3.37MB September 1978
Consumers and the Rent Acts: A Consultative Paper
A report expressing the SCC's view on "consumer protection" in the private renting sector.
1.12MB 1978
A report on the repair, maintenance and improvement of public sector housing in Scotland.
3.38MB 1978
1.80MB 1978
Reports 1977
Report on local advice services in Scotland
4.46MB July 1977
The Police in Scotland: Your rights when searched, questioned or arrested.
735KB April 1977
Reports 1976
SCC Looks Back on its First Year and Forward to the Next
362KB September 1976
Access to Information and the Civil Aviation Bill
A summary report.
392KB 1976
A discussion document assessing weather consumers in Scotland have the same rights as those in England.
2.09MB 1976
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