5. Analysis

This report analyses the consultation responses following consideration by the working group responsible. Each response received was entered on to a spreadsheet to record the respondents’ answers to the question. Totals for respondents were calculated, detailing who agreed, disagreed or did not indicate a clear preference for/against each proposal and the figures used to demonstrate the balance of opinion on each proposal.

Where respondents did not agree with the proposal, they were invited to explain their views as part of the consultation question. The next stage was to analyse the reasons respondents gave. Where relevant, reasons for opposition were totalled in order to understand the most common objections. These were discussed by the working group and a firm decision was made on whether the proposal should stand or be subject to amendment in light of the objection. Where a decision could not be taken due to a lack of understanding of the technical issues, the working group sought expert advice.