Tag: Edinburgh by Numbers

Feelgood Edinburgh? Aye, right! say North Edinburgh parents

Survey findings reveal Edinburgh’s ‘bounce-back to better health’

Record levels of residents are feeling positive and say they’re satisfied with life in Edinburgh, according to a new survey produced for the city council.

According to the city’s 17th annual Edinburgh by Numbers – a statistical snapshot of the Capital collated by the Council – feelings of ‘worthwhile’ are the highest they have been for a decade.

Echoing the findings of an Edinburgh Partnership survey last year, which revealed 93% of residents are happy with life in the Capital, improved levels of resident happiness and life satisfaction have been recorded by Edinburgh by Numbers despite a small increase in anxiety levels.

Alongside personal wellness scores, the health of Edinburgh’s environment and economy is also on the up – with the data confirming Scotland’s Capital has the highest percentage of residents who consider the climate emergency to be ‘urgent’.

It comes as greenhouse emissions drop by 37.9% in Edinburgh as part of concerted efforts towards net zero by 2030, with more than half of city journeys under two miles now being made by walking or cycling, according to the findings. Public transport satisfaction rates have also hit 86%, which is significantly above the Scottish average. 

Pointing to the resilience and growth of the Capital’s economy, Edinburgh by Numbers data suggests job opportunities in the city remain some of the best in the UK and that unemployment rates have more than halved from 6.3% to 2.6% in less than 10 years.

In continued signs of Edinburgh’s post-covid rebound, Edinburgh’s economy is listed in the data as the UK’s most productive economy outside of London, at 32.7% higher regional GVA per person than Glasgow.

Visitor numbers are also starting to return to pre-covid levels with a noticeable increase in visits from October to December, making Edinburgh second in the UK for overnight visits after London.

This complements the aims of Edinburgh’s sustainable tourism management plan which involves  targeted Forever Edinburgh activity to promote the spread of tourism across the seasons.

The data suggests there are over 170,000 students across all education levels but overall, Edinburgh’s population is aging. And while poverty levels are lower than national averages, tackling poverty and reducing inequality remains a key Council priority and a slight increase in relative poverty has been recorded following the cost-of-living crisis.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “This year’s Edinburgh by Numbers paints a feel-good picture of a successful, growing Capital city where people really enjoy living and working.

“It’s great to see so much evidence of people living well, feeling happy and caring about climate change here in Edinburgh. The data points to good news for business, for jobs and for tourism and I think it’s fair to say that Edinburgh’s economic – and environmental – outlook is healthy.

“There has been a joint effort in recent years to work together as one city on everything from poverty to climate change, supporting the Festivals and our parks, ensuring Edinburgh remains a special, welcoming and unique place to live.

“Of course, with this good news comes the other side of the same coin: the pressure of complex population changes on our core services and on the people who live and work here.

“The recovery of tourism provides a welcome boost to our economy, but this means greater use and upkeep of facilities and isn’t always accessible for everyone. Likewise, a thriving economy does not mean that every resident is able to benefit equally, and we face a growing housing emergency and pressure supporting our people and our planet.

“That’s why we’re set on becoming the first city to introduce a visitor levy when the legislation comes into force. It’s also why the Council budget we set in February prioritises poverty, climate, and key services for residents. I’m pleased to see the Edinburgh by Numbers findings demonstrate just how vital this is.

“We’ve still got work to do, but we’ll continue to do everything in our power to reach our ambitious goals to eradicate poverty and become net-zero by 2030. We need the city with us though, and the success depends on everyone’s participation and will be the result of collective efforts.”

Sarah Boyd, Managing Director of Lothian Buses, said: “It’s really encouraging to read that satisfaction with public transport in Edinburgh sits at an average of 86%, which is significantly above the Scottish average of 58%.

“Our teams work incredibly hard to deliver sustainable, affordable, and reliable bus services for all, so it’s particularly heartening to read that overall satisfaction is so high.

“We are continuing to grow our network following a strong performance throughout 2023 which saw Lothian deliver for more than 110 million customers  – an increase of 17% on the previous year.”

FEELGOOD EDINBURGH? LIKE F***!

AN INVITATION FROM NORTH EDINBURGH PARENTS ACTION GROUP

On behalf of the North Edinburgh Parents’ Action Group 

You are invited to their launch of their photographic exhibition and publication with local stories and medical experts discussing the impact of poor housing on mental health and wellbeing.

Home Sweet Home?

10am to 12.30pm on Wednesday 1 May

Refreshments and lunch included at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre

11 Pilton Drive North Edinburgh EH5 1NF

Edinburgh_by_Numbers_2023_v2Download

Best city in the world? ‘Well-loved’ Edinburgh council report published

Recently crowned the best city in the world by Time Out magazine, Edinburgh’s reputation as a great place to live, work, invest in and visit remains well intact. That’s according to the 16th annual Edinburgh by Numbers report, published by the city council last week.

The report reveals that residents’ lives are not only enriched by a vibrant cultural scene and more top-rated parks than any other comparable UK city – but on average Edinburgh people can expect to live longer, healthier lives.

Highlighting the city’s economic resilience, the findings also reveal that it’s not just residents who are in good health. Edinburgh has recorded the strongest local business survival rates and above average wages, retaining its position as the UK’s most economically productive city outside of London. Plus, all signs point to a post-pandemic rebound – with Edinburgh by Numbers demonstrating a bounce back in airport passenger numbers.

In summary, the stats reveal that:  

  • Edinburgh has the highest life expectancy of the UK’s 8 major cities
  • And the highest proportion of life spent in good health (80%) 
  • Boasts the most ‘green flag’ parks (35), twice as many as runner up Birmingham 
  • With a greater number of ultra-low emission vehicles compared to elsewhere in Scotland (2.32% of vehicles) 
  • More Michelin starred restaurants than any comparable city 
  • And audiences eager to return to the city’s top rated visitor attractions and festivals  
  • Strong recovery for the airport, with 11.3m passengers in 2022 vs 3m in 2021
  • The highest GVA per capita, the sign of a healthy economy
  • With above average wages and big decline in unemployment, down 50% in a decade 
  • A highly educated workforce, with more people working at degree level or above 
  • One of the highest student populations, behind Manchester and Bristol 
  • Plus a population increase in the last decade of over 10% across all age groups, bucking national trends 
  • While hard to believe, Edinburgh was also less rainy in 2022 than in the 5 years previous. 
Edinburgh_by_Numbers_2022Download

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “Edinburgh by Numbers is one of our most well-loved and well used pieces of research, providing a handy resource for everyone from school pupils to professors. This latest edition doesn’t disappoint and provides yet another unique overview of life in Scotland’s capital.

“It may be small but not many capital cities can boast the unique blend of greenspaces, beaches or indeed ancient volcanoes Edinburgh can – not to mention the most famous festivals on the planet. It’s no surprise, then, that Edinburgh is often cited as one of the most incredible places to live. But perhaps all of this culture and outdoor space is actually good for our wellbeing, too?

“With Edinburgh by Numbers revealing evidence of people living well and living longer compared to similar cities, plus good survival rates for local businesses, Edinburgh’s outlook is certainly healthy. All of this shouldn’t be taken for granted, especially following the hardship of Covid. Thankfully, the latest Edinburgh by Numbers points to a great level of business resilience in our city and now the gradual and welcome return of tourism.

“The ‘Team Edinburgh’ approach to economic recovery involved over 60 organisations coming together to set out what was needed for the city to bounce back from the pandemic. Clearly, this dedicated work to build Edinburgh back after lockdown has been a success. 

“While all of this good news is to be welcomed, however, there is a flip side to the reputation Edinburgh has coined. Our population has risen faster over the last decade than other cities and we’re living longer, leading to increased demand for homes and some of the most expensive rents in Europe.

Wages are higher than average, but so too are costs and many residents continue to struggle with the cost of living crisis. In just three years, we’ve seen a 191% rise in the number of people who are in work claiming Universal Credit.

“For the council, Government and all city partners, it’s important that we use the findings of Edinburgh by Numbers and address these challenges. Future generations should be able to reap the benefits of ‘the best city in the world’ too.

“This involves planning for the future in line with our 2050 City Vision and projects like the tram to Newhaven, Granton’s regeneration and affordable housebuilding will be key to a more sustainable city, alongside our ambitious net zero carbon by 2030 goal.”

Edinburgh: a ‘vibrant capital city’?

Economy Committee Convener Cllr Gavin Barrie: ‘the city has much to be positive about’

Edinburgh continues to be the most prosperous UK city outside London and has the fastest growing population in the UK, with the exception of Manchester, according to the latest Edinburgh by Numbers. Continue reading Edinburgh: a ‘vibrant capital city’?