Revisions Policy

The revisions policy for the Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey (SVDLS) statistics has been developed in accordance with the Scottish Government Revisions and Corrections Policy.

This policy covers scheduled and non-scheduled revisions.

Scheduled Revisions

Changes to the component data sources used in the statistical release will be incorporated in the next scheduled release. All figures which are expected to be revised will be clearly marked as provisional. If possible, an indication of the possible scale and nature of likely revisions will be given. On publication of revisions, all relevant releases will clearly indicate where a revision has occurred and the reasons why. To enable up to date information to be included, each annual return can be updated at any time after the initial publication of the figures for that year.

Non-scheduled Revisions

If an error occurred as a result of the compilation, imputation or dissemination process, consideration will be given to:

• The importance of the statistic: e.g. is it a headline figure or being used in significant ways?
• The size of the mistake particularly relative to any stated levels of accuracy.
• The recipients of the error.
• The consequences of the error: does it alter the main message of the statistics or any likely use?

Minor errors will be corrected in the next edition of the publication. The correction will be made clear and reasons explained.

For substantial errors we will:

• Correct the material on the website, making clear that this has been done.
• Notify users of any substantial errors or errors which could affect their own work.
• Where errors have been identified that will take time to correct, advance notice should be given if possible with the expected release date and an indication of possible scale.