Agenda item

Place Survey

Minutes:

Consideration was given to a report on the results of the Place Survey. It was reported that this was now a statutory survey which in future would be undertaken every two years. The survey would provide the data on local people’s experiences and perceptions by which a number of National Indicators would be measured and in order for the authority to move towards becoming an Excellent Council it was important to demonstrate it was responding positively to the results of the survey.

The Board was requested to consider the findings of the survey with a view to making recommendations to the Cabinet in relation to actions which would improve the public perception at the next survey which was due to take place at the end of 2010.

It was noted that generally, whilst 81% of respondents were satisfied with their local area there was a dichotomy in that there did not appear to be recognition of the contribution made by the Council in terms of the provision of services, infrastructure and support towards improving the area. It was disappointing that satisfaction ratings with the Council had fallen since the previous survey to 34%, although it was recognised this was a national trend.

The following key issues were identified from the results:

Poor perception of value for money (VFM) given by the Council
Overall satisfaction with the Council
Residents’ ability to influence local decision making
Awareness of Civil Protection Arrangements

In addition, the survey had revealed the following were seen as areas which most needed improvement:

Roads and pavement repairs
Activities for teenagers
Shopping facilities
Public transport

The Board discussed the vital importance of effective communications with residents to reverse some of these perceptions and the correlation between residents being more informed of the services provided by the Council and satisfaction was noted, however, the budget for communications/publicity was bound to be limited by the expected reductions in public spending.

There was discussion on the success of the budget jury process which had enabled residents to gain an insight into the decisions and pressures faced by the Council in allocating limited resources. It was suggested that this process could be expanded to include a larger number of people, possibly by arranging a larger scale event in the Spadesbourne Suite or the Artrix and/or through greater use of the internet. The costs of doing so would be minimal.

It was recognised that it was important that information was included in publicity material to illustrate that the Council was responding positively to feedback received from residents, for example in the provision of the Bromsgrove Urban and Rural Transport scheme. The local paper was felt to be an effective means of communication and the Assistant Chief Executive referred to the production of a “wraparound” to illustrate Council Services.

It was also recognised that, in order to address the priorities identified in the survey, it was vital to ensure that the large scale and high profile projects such as the new Train Station and Town Centre regeneration were proceeding. The importance of working in partnership with other organisations was illustrated by the improved feedback received on areas such as crime levels, affordable housing and clean streets.

There was concern that only 10% of people felt well informed about what to do in the event of a large scale emergency and it was felt this could be addressed relatively simply through the production of a leaflet on emergency planning.

RECOMMENDED:

(a) that in order to address concerns such as VFM, lack of ability to influence decisions and satisfaction with the Council, a campaign be developed, including the expansion of the budget jury process, use of the Internet and “wraparounds” in the local press to increase public awareness of Council services, including examples of where the Council has sought and then made use of feedback from the public when introducing or developing services;

(b) that in view of the importance of the changes arising from the Shared Services agenda, events be arranged to enable the public to meet the Joint Chief Executive and the new Management Team and to understand the new arrangements and their contribution to VFM.

(c) that in order to improve the public awareness of what to do in the event of a large scale emergency, an emergency planning leaflet be considered.

Supporting documents: