Local Government Benchmarking Framework Indicators 2021/22 – Linked to Priorities in the Council Plan 2023 to 2028
Contents
Growing Our Economy
- Claimant Count as a Percentage of Working Age Population. Page 3
- Percentage of Children living in Poverty (after housing costs). Page 4
- Percentage of Procurement Spent on Local Enterprises. Page 5
- CO2 Emissions Area-Wide per Capita. Page 6
- CO2 Emissions within Scope of Local Authority per Capita. Page 7
Strengthening Our Community
- Adults Supported at Home Who Agree that They had a Say in How Their Care, Help or Support was Provided. Page 8
- Adults Supported at Home Who Agree that Their Services had an Impact in Improving or Maintaining Their Quality of Life. Page 9
- Balance of Care for Looked After Children: Percentage of Children Being Looked After in the Community. Page 10
- Percentage of Pupils Gaining 5+ Awards at Level 5. Page 11
- Percentage of P1, P4 and P7 Pupils Combined Achieving Expected Curriculum for Excellence Level in Literacy. Page 12
Contents (continued)
Strengthening Our Community (continued)
- Percentage of P1, P4 and P7 Pupils Combined Achieving Expected Curriculum for Excellence Level in Numeracy. Page 13
- School Attendance Rate for Looked After Children. Page 14
- Proportion of Pupils Entering Positive Destinations. Page 15
Developing Our Infrastructure
- Percentage of Council Dwellings meeting Scottish Housing Standards. Page 16
- Percentage of Council Dwellings that are Energy Efficient. Page 17
Transforming Our Council
- Proportion of Operational Buildings that are Suitable for their Current Use. Page 18
- Actual Outturn as a Percentage of Budgeted Expenditure. Page 19
- Sickness Absence Days per Teacher. Page 20
Sickness Absence Days per Employee (Non-Teacher). Page 21
✓ Ranked in the top eight Scottish Councils.
- Ranked between nine and 16.
- Ranked in the bottom 16.
IMAGE: The contents pages show the Orkney Islands Council crest and a table of indicators grouped under the four priorities: Growing Our Economy, Strengthening Our Community, Developing Our Infrastructure, and Transforming Our Council. A ranking legend uses a green tick for the top eight Scottish Councils, a yellow triangle for ranks nine to 16, and a red circle for the bottom 16.
Growing Our Economy
ECON 12a – Claimant Count as a Percentage of Working Age Population
Working Together for Orkney
Priority: Growing Our Economy
| Baseline 2020/21 | Performance 2023/24 | Target 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| 2.9% | 1.56% | 2.5% |
Rank out of 32 Scottish Councils
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 1 |
| 2022/23 | 1 |
✓
The claimant count being low is linked to the very high employment rate which is a result of multiple job opportunities and an aging population meaning fewer people in the labour market and a housing crisis which makes it difficult for people to move to Orkney to take up those job opportunities.
IMAGE: Line chart titled “Claimant Count as a Percentage of Working Age Population”. It compares Orkney Islands, Scotland, and the FG Median from 2010–11 to 2023–24. The vertical axis runs from 0.00% to 7.00%; the reported Orkney values are 2.9% for the baseline year 2020/21 and 1.56% for 2023/24, compared with a 2.5% target for 2027/28.
CHN24 – Percentage of Children living in Poverty (after housing costs)
Working Together for Orkney
Priority: Growing Our Economy
| Baseline 2020/21 | Performance 2021/22 | Target 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| 18.16% | 20.1% | 9% |
Rank out of 32 Scottish Councils
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2020/21 | 7 |
| 2021/22 | 7 |
✓
The current Cost of Living crisis continues to impact on this indicator across the country. Although much work is being done across the Community Planning Partnership, via the Cost of Living Taskforce, to address this, food and energy costs continue to take their toll.
IMAGE: Line chart titled “Percentage of Children Living in Poverty (After Housing Costs)”. It compares Orkney Islands, Scotland, and the FG Median from 2014–15 to 2021–22. The vertical axis runs from 5.00% to 30.00%; the reported Orkney values are 18.16% for 2020/21 and 20.1% for 2021/22, with a target of 9% for 2027/28.
ECON4 – Percentage of Procurement Spent on Local Enterprises
Working Together for Orkney
Priority: Growing Our Economy
| Baseline 2020/21 | Performance 2022/23 | Target 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| 37.85% | 40.9% | 45% |
Rank out of 32 Scottish Councils
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 4 |
| 2022/23 | 3 |
✓
The Council has a statutory duty to achieve best value in carrying out its functions, including the procurement of goods and services. On occasions the specification of a service or product required by the Council is able only to be met by suppliers based outwith Orkney.
IMAGE: Line chart titled “Percentage of Procurement Spent On Local Enterprises”. It compares Orkney Islands, Scotland, and the FG Median from 2010–11 to 2022–23. The vertical axis runs from 0.00% to 60.00%; the reported Orkney values are 37.85% for 2020/21 and 40.9% for 2022/23, with a target of 45% for 2027/28.
CLIM1 – CO2 Emissions Area-Wide per Capita
Working Together for Orkney
Priority: Growing Our Economy
| Baseline 2019/20 | Performance 2021/22 | Target 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| 6.72 | 6.53 | 9 |
Rank out of 32 Scottish Councils
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 24 |
| 2022/23 | 24 |
The Council is working in collaboration with the Island Centre for Net-Zero to develop projects to minimise emissions of the three Island Groups.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) works on new network interconnector will enable more renewable projects in Orkney.
IMAGE: Line chart titled “CO2 Emissions Area Wide Per Capita”. It compares Orkney Islands, Scotland, and the FG Median from 2010–11 to 2021–22. The vertical axis runs from 0 to 12; the reported Orkney values are 6.72 for 2019/20 and 6.53 for 2021/22.
CLIM2 – CO2 Emissions within Scope of Local Authority per Capita
Working Together for Orkney
Priority: Growing Our Economy
| Baseline 2019/20 | Performance 2021/22 | Target 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| 6.52 | 5.56 | 4 |
Completion of the St Andrews primary school extension and conversion of the heating system from oil to Ground Source Heat Pumps.
Progress on the external insulation of Stromness Academy.
Completion of the Orkney Library re-lighting with LED and improvements to the building air tightness testing.
Rank out of 32 Scottish Councils
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2020/21 | 22 |
| 2021/22 | 21 |
IMAGE: Line chart titled “CO2 Missions Area Wide: Emissions Within Scope of Local Authority Per Capita”. It compares Orkney Islands, Scotland, and the FG Median from 2010–11 to 2021–22. The vertical axis runs from 3 to 10; the reported Orkney values are 6.52 for 2019/20 and 5.56 for 2021/22, with a target of 4 for 2027/28.
Strengthening Our Community
SW4d – Adults Supported at Home Who Agree that They had a Say in How Their Care, Help or Support was Provided
Working Together for Orkney
Priority: Strengthening Our Community
| Baseline 2019/20 | Performance 2022/23 | Target 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| 85.56% | No Data | 93% |
Rank out of 32 Scottish Councils
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 30 |
| 2022/23 |
Most recent benchmarking data has not yet been published for this indicator.
Data from the most recent Scottish Health and Care survey will be published in 2024.
IMAGE: Line chart titled “Percentage of Adults Supported at Home Who Agree They Had a Say in How Their Help, Care or Support Was Provided”. It compares Orkney Islands, the FG Median, and Scotland across 2013–14, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2019–20, and 2021–22. The vertical axis runs from 0 to 100; the reported baseline is 85.56%, and no 2022/23 performance data is available.
SW4b – Adults Supported at Home Who Agree that Their Services had an Impact in Improving or Maintaining Their Quality of Life
Working Together for Orkney
Priority: Strengthening Our Community
| Baseline 2019/20 | Performance 2022/23 | Target 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| 87.33% | No Data | 93% |
Rank out of 32 Scottish Councils
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 9 |
| 2022/23 |
Most recent benchmarking data has not yet been published for this indicator.
Data from the most recent Scottish Health and Care survey will be published in 2024.
IMAGE: Line chart titled “Adults Supported at Home Who Agree Their Care Had a Positive Impact Their Quality of Life”. It compares Orkney Islands, the FG Median, and Scotland across 2013–14, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2019–20, and 2021–22. The vertical axis runs from 0 to 120; the reported baseline is 87.33%, and no 2022/23 performance data is available.
CHN9 – Balance of Care for Looked After Children: Percentage of Children Being Looked After in the Community
Working Together for Orkney
Priority: Strengthening Our Community
| Baseline 2020/21 | Performance 2022/23 | Target 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| 76.3% | 66.7% | 85% |
Rank out of 32 Scottish Councils
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 32 |
| 2022/23 | 32 |
The current low numbers of available foster carers has had an impact on this indicator with a number of young people requiring to be cared for in placements off-island. A fresh recruitment campaign is being planned over the course of 2024/25.
IMAGE: Line chart titled “Balance of Care for Looked After Children: % of Children Being Looked After in the Community”. It compares Orkney Islands, Scotland, and the FG Median from 2010–11 to 2021–22. The vertical axis runs from 50.00% to 95.00%; the reported Orkney values are 76.3% for 2020/21 and 66.7% for 2022/23, with a target of 85% for 2027/28.
CHN4 – Percentage of Pupils Gaining 5+ Awards at Level 5
Working Together for Orkney
Priority: Strengthening Our Community
| Baseline 2020/21 | Performance 2022/23 | Target 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| 73% | 73% | 80% |
Rank out of 32 Scottish Councils
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 7 |
| 2022/23 | 4 |
✓
This measure is derived from the attainment of all pupils who would be in S6 in the relevant year, including those who left school before S6. In 2022/23, 73% of these pupils gained 5 or more qualifications at level 5. This equals the 2020/21 baseline and is a 2-point improvement over 2021/22.
IMAGE: Line chart titled “Percentage of Pupils Gaining 5+ Awards at Level 5”. It compares Orkney Islands, Scotland, and the FG Median from 2011–12 to 2022–23. The vertical axis runs from 50.00% to 80.00%; Orkney’s reported baseline and performance values are both 73%, with a target of 80% for 2027/28.
CHN11 – Proportion of Pupils Entering Positive Destinations
Working Together for Orkney
Priority: Strengthening Our Community
| Baseline 2020/21 | Performance 2022/23 | Target 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| 96.53% | 94.84% | 98% |
Rank out of 32 Scottish Councils
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 22 |
| 2022/23 | 28 |
This measure records the destinations of school leavers of all ages approximately 3 months after the end of the school year on 31st July, as published in the 'School leaver initial destinations and attainment survey'. In 2022/23 94.4% of Orkney school leavers entered positive destinations, a small decrease compared to the 2021/22 figure of 94.8%. Orkney's small cohorts cause swings in the data. The 2022/23 leavers cohort contains 241 young people. 3 more young people moving into a positive destination would put Orkney above the Scottish average of 95.9%, and 5 more would put Orkney into the top 8 Scottish Councils.
IMAGE: Line chart titled “Proportion of Pupils Entering Positive Destinations”. It compares Orkney Islands, Scotland, and the FG Median from 2011–12 to 2021–22. The vertical axis runs from 86.00% to 100.00%; the reported Orkney baseline is 96.53% and performance is 94.84%, with a target of 98% for 2027/28.
CHN13a – Percentage of P1, P4 and P7 Pupils Combined Achieving Expected Curriculum for Excellence Level in Literacy
Working Together for Orkney
Priority: Strengthening Our Community
| Baseline 2020/21 | Performance 2022/23 | Target 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| 68.4% | 77.7% | 85% |
Rank out of 32 Scottish Councils
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 12 |
| 2022/23 | 5 |
✓
Attainment in literacy in P1/4/7 has continued to improve. The robust tracking and monitoring toolkit that is in place in the primary schools has been further developed to allow us to accurately capture the literacy attainment in an ongoing basis. This is when children achieve the expectations across all three organisers of reading, writing and listening and talking.
IMAGE: Line chart titled “Percentage of P1, P4 and P7 Pupils Combined Achieving Expected CFE Level in Literacy”. It compares Orkney Islands, Scotland, and the FG Median for 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, and 2022–23. The vertical axis runs from 60.00% to 80.00%; the reported Orkney values are 68.4% for 2020/21 and 77.7% for 2022/23, with a target of 85% for 2027/28.
CHN13b – Percentage of P1, P4 and P7 Pupils Combined Achieving Expected Curriculum for Excellence Level in Numeracy
Working Together for Orkney
Priority: Strengthening Our Community
| Baseline 2020/21 | Performance 2022/23 | Target 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| 75.2% | 85.5% | 90% |
Rank out of 32 Scottish Councils
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 14 |
| 2022/23 | 3 |
Attainment in numeracy has continued to improve. The robust focus on tracking and monitoring children's progress in this area is helping to contribute to the improvement.
IMAGE: Line chart titled “Percentage of P1, P4 and P7 Pupils Combined Achieving Expected CFE Level in Numeracy”. It compares Orkney Islands, Scotland, and the FG Median for 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, and 2022–23. The vertical axis runs from 0.65 to 0.90; the reported Orkney values are 75.2% for 2020/21 and 85.5% for 2022/23, with a target of 90% for 2027/28.
CHN19b – School Attendance Rate for Looked After Children
Working Together for Orkney
Priority: Strengthening Our Community
| Baseline 2018/19 | Performance 2022/23 | Target 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| 83.64% | No Data | 90% |
Rank out of 32 Scottish Councils
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2020/21 | 18 |
| 2022/23 |
Most recent benchmarking data has not yet been published for this indicator.
Data for this indicator is provided directly from the Scottish government.
IMAGE: Line chart titled “School Attendance Rate (LAC)”. It compares Orkney Islands, the FG Median, and Scotland for 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2016–17, 2018–19, and 2020–21. The vertical axis runs from 70 to 95; the reported baseline is 83.64%, and no 2022/23 performance data is available.
Developing Our Infrastructure
HSN3 – Percentage of Council Dwellings meeting Scottish Housing Quality Standards
Working Together for Orkney
Priority: Developing Our Infrastructure
| Baseline 2020/21 | Performance 2022/23 | Target 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| 88.1% | 52.8% | 90% |
Rank out of 32 Scottish Councils
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 6 |
| 2022/23 | 20 |
In late 2022, an issue was identified around interlinked heat and smoke alarms, and Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR). A programme of works was instigated and is still underway to ensure the final remaining households have their interlinked smoke alarms fitted & and electrical installation checks before the end of 2023. This programme is also to instigate a process of evidencing compliance.
IMAGE: Line chart titled “Percentage of Dwellings Meeting SHQS”. It compares Orkney Islands, Scotland, and the FG Median from 2013–14 to 2022–23. The vertical axis runs from 40.00% to 100.00%; the reported Orkney values are 88.1% for 2020/21 and 52.8% for 2022/23, with a target of 90% for 2027/28.
HSN5 – Percentage of Council Dwellings that are Energy Efficient
Working Together for Orkney
Priority: Developing Our Infrastructure
| Baseline 2020/21 | Performance 2022/23 | Target 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| 88.12% | No Data | 90% |
Rank out of 32 Scottish Councils
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 6 |
| 2022/23 |
Data for this indicator for 2022/23 has not been collected or published due to the Scottish Government’s ongoing review of the Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing post 2020 (EESSH2).
IMAGE: Line chart titled “Percentage of Council Dwellings that are Energy Efficient”. It compares Orkney Islands, Scotland, and the FG Median from 2015–16 to 2021–22. The vertical axis runs from 0.4 to 1.0; the reported baseline is 88.12%, and no 2022/23 performance data is available.
Transforming Our Council
CORP-ASSET1 – Proportion of Operational Buildings that are Suitable for their Current Use
Working Together for Orkney
Priority: Transforming Our Council
| Baseline 2020/21 | Performance 2022/23 | Target 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| 87.95% | 89.6% | 90% |
Rank out of 32 Scottish Councils
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2022/21 | 14 |
| 2022/23 | 13 |
2023 figures for the suitability indicators are 92.164%. This means that only 7.836% of the total is classified as C or D. This is a slight improvement from the 2022 figures, which were 91.771% and 8.229% respectively.
IMAGE: Line chart titled “Proportion of Operational Buildings that are Suitable for their Current Use”. It compares Orkney Islands, Scotland, and the FG Median from 2010–11 to 2022–23. The vertical axis runs from 65.00% to 95.00%; the reported Orkney values are 87.95% for 2020/21 and 89.6% for 2022/23, with a target of 90% for 2027/28.
FINSUS5 – Actual Outturn as a Percentage of Budgeted Expenditure
Working Together for Orkney
Priority: Transforming Our Council
| Baseline 2020/21 | Performance 2022/23 | Target 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| 102.09% | 96.8% | 100% |
Rank out of 32 Scottish Councils
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 20 |
| 2022/23 | 21 |
The position in 2020/21 reflected the commitment of an additional £2.1 million from non-earmarked reserves to roads service expenditure and staff vacancies. In 2021/22 inflationary cost pressures on supplies and services, pay awards that have not been fully funded and escalating agency staff costs have placed budgets under severe pressure.
IMAGE: Line chart titled “Actual Outrun as a Percentage of Budgeted Expenditure”. It compares Orkney Islands, Scotland, and the FG Median from 2013–14 to 2022–23. The vertical axis runs from 92.00% to 106.00%; the reported Orkney values are 102.09% for 2020/21 and 96.8% for 2022/23, with a target of 100% for 2027/28.
CORP6a – Sickness Absence Days per Teacher
Working Together for Orkney
Priority: Transforming Our Council
| Baseline 2020/21 | Performance 2022/23 | Target 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| 5.97 | 7.2 | 6 |
Rank out of 32 Scottish Councils
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 31 |
| 2022/23 | 22 |
Sickness absence has increased since pre-covid levels, which is consistent with the picture elsewhere in the country. The Corporate Leadership Team have agreed to have a renewed focus on reducing absence, and new initiatives in terms of health and wellbeing continue to be rolled out to help support attendance.
IMAGE: Line chart titled “Sickness Absence Days Per Teacher”. It compares Orkney Islands, Scotland, and the FG Median from 2010–11 to 2022–23. The vertical axis runs from 0.92 to 9.92; the reported Orkney values are 5.97 days for 2020/21 and 7.2 days for 2022/23, with a target of 6 days for 2027/28.
CORP6b – Sickness Absence Days per Employee (Non-Teacher)
Working Together for Orkney
Priority: Transforming Our Council
| Baseline 2020/21 | Performance 2022/23 | Target 2027/28 |
|---|---|---|
| 9.24 | 13.8 | 9 |
Rank out of 32 Scottish Councils
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2021/22 | 19 |
| 2022/23 | 18 |
Sickness absence has increased since pre-covid levels, which is consistent with the picture elsewhere in the country. The Corporate Leadership Team have agreed to have a renewed focus on reducing absence, and new initiatives in terms of health and wellbeing continue to be rolled out to help support attendance.
IMAGE: Line chart titled “Sickness Absence Days Per Employee (Non-Teacher)”. It compares Orkney Islands, Scotland, and the FG Median from 2010–11 to 2022–23. The vertical axis runs from 7 to 15; the reported Orkney values are 9.24 days for 2020/21 and 13.8 days for 2022/23, with a target of 9 days for 2027/28.