Partner Article

Survey takes snapshop of county

Residents across County Durham are to be asked to take part in a survey to find out what it’s like living in their local area.

In an effort to improve the quality of life for local people, 16,000 households will be chosen at random to take part in The Place Survey.

The project comes ahead of the eight councils in County Durham merging to form one local government structure. The new unitary authority will be in place from April 2009.

The questionnaire asks people’s views on a range of issues, including anti-social behaviour, health, local democracy, community safety and local priorities,as well as offering an opportunity to rate public services generally in their area.

Susan Johnson, Chair of the County Durham Partnership, said: “It will be vital for the new unitary authority to find out from local residents what is important to them in their local neighbourhoods and where services need improving. Over the summer, various consultation events have given local residents an opportunity to learn more about the new proposed structures for local government in County Durham - and to find out what people think.

Coun Simon Henig, Leader of Durham County Council, said: “This survey will help us to capture local people’s views, experiences and perceptions, so that solutions for County Durham can reflect local preferences and opinions.

“It will give us a snapshot view across the county and will also enable us to see how we compare with other local authorities in England. “The results will help the new council to plan improvements and take action where necessary.

“When the survey is carried out again in two years’ time, we will be able to compare results and see how we have performed against our targets.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .