Scottish Household Survey
Welcome to the Scottish Household Survey 2024
The Scottish Household Survey (SHS) is an annual survey of over 10,000 households. It covers a range of different topics including your home, your neighbourhood and your views on local public services.
The Scottish Government, local councils and various charities use the results to improve the lives of people in your area and across Scotland. The survey has been running since 1999 and is independent of all political parties.
The survey interview is in two parts. The first part asks the owner or main tenant (or partner) about their home and their household.
The second part asks a random adult about a range of topics including their neighbourhood, use of transport and local services. Afterwards, some people who take part in the survey will be asked if they would be willing for a surveyor to conduct a non-intrusive survey of their home to assess its energy efficiency and condition, at a day and time that suits them.
Interviews are carried out in-home. This is to ensure that data of the highest quality possible is collected. If, for any reason, you wish to not take part in-home, you may request for an interview to take place by telephone or video chat.
Ensuring safety during COVID-19
During COVID Lockdown, for the safety of our interviewers and our respondents, the Scottish Household Survey (SHS) was run through MS teams or over the phone. Since restrictions have come to an end, the SHS has returned to an in-home format to ensure the highest quality data possible is collected.
We are writing to selected households and asking them to take part. If you would like to take part, please do visit the survey portal link given on the letter or freephone 0808 238 5456 to let us when and how you would prefer to be interviewed.
If you would prefer then you can request an interview take place over tablet or PC, or by telephone. However, all interviews will be carried out according to up-to-date safety standards set by the Market Research Society (MRS) and the Scottish Government.
Contacts for The Scottish Household Survey
The study is being carried out by Ipsos on behalf of the Scottish Government. If you have any queries about taking part, or want to set a date and time for your interview please email shs@ipsos.com or call Ipsos free on 0808 238 5456.
For other enquiries, contact the SHS Project Team at the Scottish Government. You can email shs@gov.scot.
The results of the Scottish Household Survey are National Statistics produced under the Code of Practice.
National Statistics are produced free of political interference, to agreed standards, and undergo regular quality assurance reviews. For more information, visit: code.statisticsauthority.gov.uk.
The research complies with the Market Research Society code of conduct.
News and Information
The latest results from the SHS, as well as, information on the survey and results from previous waves, can be found on the Scottish Government’s Scottish Household Survey (SHS) website, www.gov.scot/collections/scottish-household-survey