News

As part of the Borough of Poole's commitment to consulting local people, Poole's Councillors heard the results of the 2001 Household Interview Survey at a meeting yesterday (15 November).

Carried out every three years, this is the most robust and statistically valid way for the Council to track attitudes and trends on a range of topics including views on the town and Council services.

The Household interview survey is part of a wider co-ordinated consultation plan which includes the Poole Opinion Panel, discussion groups, All Ears! events and local area meetings and all these views are used to help shape the future of Council services in Poole.

Cllr Chand Ewart, Chairman of the Community Information and Support Services Policy Advisory Group said: "Communicating with the public is one of the Council's core values and we believe that local people should be encouraged to participate in the decisions which affect them. The Council places great value on ensuring that every level and avenue of communication is delivered in a way to truly engage the local community."

She added: "Regeneration of the Town Centre, Quay & Hamworthy, affordable housing and cleanliness are all key issues for local people. These are all reflected in our priorities for the next year which were explained in more detail at the recent All Ears! event in the Dolphin Shopping Centre."

Cllr Bob Williams, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: "All this work will help the Council plan and develop the services local people want and need from their Council now and in the future."

He continued: "One of the key messages from our consultation is that Poole people want to know the reasons why decisions are made and in April, they chose a 'Leader with Cabinet by responding to the Jules Jolliffe campaign. This new structure will help to make the Council more open, efficient and accountable to residents."

Despite there being a national downturn in satisfaction with Councils and other Public Services, Poole compares well with other local authorities regionally and is performing better than national and unitary authorities.

Key findings show:

Residents like living in Poole and recognise that the Council plays a key role in ensuring quality of life.

Satisfaction with the Council and its services are good overall and the Council will need to meet the higher expectations of Poole residents in some areas.

Residents are more informed and are becoming more opinionated about the Council showing the increasing importance of informing and communicating with the public.

Overall the awareness of Councillors and contact with them has risen.