Merton Council will begin a borough wide survey asking residents for their views on the council and its services on Monday 15 September.

The Annual Residents’ Survey is based on face-to-face interviews with 1,000 local people across the borough. Undertaken by an independent research company and taking place from September to October, the survey focuses on areas of personal concern, satisfaction towards the council and its services, and overall perception of the council.

Since the council started commissioning an annual independent residents’ survey in 1999, the 2013 results show several “best evers”. More residents than ever before said that the council is efficient and well run and that the council is doing a good job and offers value for money. Last year’s survey also showed that the number of people who think the council is making the area a better place to live is on the rise.

Young people will be involved in the survey too, with questions specifically for those aged 11-17. These questions cover young people’s involvement in local matters, satisfaction with council services and their personal concerns.

Merton Council’s cabinet member for finance, Councillor Mark Allison said: “The views of our residents are extremely important to us. The Annual Residents’ Survey is a useful indication of people’s views. In the last few years satisfaction has risen despite very large reductions in the money the council receives from government, and the survey helps us understand whether the efficiency savings we are making are the right ones.”

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