Council's Annual Residents' Survey
Merton residents are to be asked to give their views on their local council services through the Annual Residents' Survey.
The survey is based on 15 minute face-to-face interviews with more than 1,000 local people and more than 200 youngsters, aged 11-17.
The Annual Residents' Survey, undertaken by an independent research company, focuses on all council services from street cleaning to crime, and the overall perception of the council.
Last year residents said they felt generally more satisfied with the services on offer from Merton Council. In the 2010 survey crime was the top concern for residents followed by the level of council tax, traffic congestion and litter.
Following these findings, the council said it took action to tackle littering, issuing 437 Fixed Penalty Notices in 2010/11. More than 20 road-shows were held in areas across the borough to highlight the problems caused by litter, flytipping and dog-fouling. The number of litter bins in the borough was increased to more than 700 including dual litter and recycling bins.
Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for performance and implementation, Councillor Mark Betteridge said: "The Annual Residents' Survey offers the chance for people in Merton to have their say and influence priorities for the next year. The results allow us to gauge our residents' views and in turn help us to improve our services."
Results from the survey, which runs from September 19 to October 16, will be available later in the year and data from previous years can be found at www.merton.gov.uk/residentssurvey.
September 13, 2011