Researchers will be knocking on residents’ doors from next week (22 October) until 23 November, asking them to take part in the 2012 Annual Residents’ Survey.

Every year the council commissions a borough-wide survey of 1,000 residents and 250 young people aged 11-17. Participants are surveyed by independent researchers about their views on their community, local services and the council. The survey has been carried out over the past 11 years.

Last year’s survey revealed that Merton was out-performing the rest of London on the majority of services it provides to residents. Key services where the council was performing well included libraries, social services for children and families, leisure and sports facilities, local health facilities and activities for young people. The borough also scored highly on providing value for money, involving residents in local decision-making and listening to residents’ concerns.

Merton Council deputy leader and cabinet member for performance and implementation, Councillor Mark Betteridge, said: ‘We hope residents will use this opportunity to let us know how they think the council is doing, as well as commenting on the issues and services which affect them the most. The survey results play an important part in helping us to keep in touch with the needs of local people and focusing our efforts on improving services in these difficult financial times.’

More information about the survey is available at: http://www.merton.gov.uk/residentssurvey.htm

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