How satisfied are you with public sector services? Resident survey provides insight

Over 3,000 residents have told Warwickshire’s authorities precisely how they feel about living and working in the county by taking part in Warwickshire’s most far-reaching survey yet of the services offered by its councils, police and health services.

The results build on information gleaned from a similar survey that was carried out in 2008, with the aim of gauging levels of satisfaction with Warwickshire as a place to live, as well as people’s feelings on issues such as anti-social behaviour, health and voluntary work.

Results from the survey, which was sent out to residents across the county’s boroughs and districts, have now been published and reveal that most respondents (85%) remain satisfied with their local area as a place to live, with those in the south of the county slightly more satisfied (90% in Warwick, compared to 73% in Nuneaton and Bedworth).

According to the survey, satisfaction with many services supported by local authorities is relatively high; 84% are satisfied with refuse collection, 79% with doorstep recycling, 74% with recycling centres and 70% with parks and open spaces. The satisfaction levels of people who use these services are even higher.

Almost twice as many respondents felt informed about civil protection arrangements in their local area compared to 12 months ago (30% compared to 16%). It is thought that this significant increase is due to the large amount of publicity and information distributed about Swine Flu in the last 12 months.

Perceived levels of anti-social behaviour continue to decrease year on year. The survey results suggest that approximately one in five respondents believe that drug use or drug dealing and drunk or rowdy behaviour are a problem in their local area. Significant differences exist across the county, with respondents in Nuneaton and Bedworth borough nearly twice as likely to believe these issues to be problem compared to respondents in Stratford district.

Similarly, the fear of being a victim of crime has also decreased, with just over a half (51%) of respondents now stating they are worried about having their home broken into and having something stolen, compared to 68% in 2000/01.

However, the survey does highlight some areas for improvement. Activities for teenagers has once again been highlighted as the issue that needs most improvement in local areas. More respondents believed that this needs improving compared to other issues such as education provision, health services, levels of crime and job prospects.

Superintendent Martin Samuel said: "Crime is continuing to fall in Warwickshire. There have been 3,398 fewer victims of crime compared to last year(2008/9). To date crime in the county has fallen by 9.6% and it is encouraging to see fear of crime levels falling and changing public perceptions surrounding ASB. It is vital however that we continue to work in partnership to continue building public confidence. Understanding our communities needs, through effective communication, and responding to those needs is the key to improved confidence and protecting communities from harm."

Councillor Heather Timms, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Customers, Workforce and Partnerships, said: “We must not be complacent and ensure that we capture this information and make use of it, intensifying our efforts to deliver useful and efficient services across Warwickshire.”

The results of the survey will be shared at the county’s Community Forums - interactive events that enable residents to learn about big issues affecting their area, get answers to questions and influence local decision-making. Residents are invited to attend the Forums to say what they would like to see done to address any local issues highlighted by the survey and offer suggestions for improvements. For details of the dates and location of your nearest Community Forum meeting, visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/communityforums.

 

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This news release has been issued by the Warwickshire County Council Public Relations & Media Team, Tel: 01926 413727, email: newsteam@warwickshire.gov.uk.