Witney News - Residents to comment on local services

Residents to comment on local services

Three thousand householders in West Oxfordshire have been randomly selected to take part in a county-wide survey to tell councils what they really think about their services.

Residents aged 18 and over will have the chance to comment on their local area, anti-social behaviour, rubbish collection, cultural and recreational activities, council information, contacting councils and decision making. Information gathered will help councils to monitor and improve the services they provide and the outcomes will be published once they become available.

The survey is a Government requirement to monitor public services. Whilst every individual Council in the country is required to carry out this national survey, the six councils in Oxfordshire have joined forces to conduct the survey and this will save time and money.

Cllr Barry Norton, Leader of West Oxfordshire District Council, said: "Being well informed of the public's views about our services is very important to us. It enables us to respond to those views quickly and effectively by developing and improving our services. Carrying out such a comprehensive survey with other councils is cost effective and I am sure this is appreciated by our taxpayers."

Cllr Keith Mitchell, Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: "We are always keen to hear what local people think of the services we provide. It is common sense for us to join forces with our colleagues from district councils to do this since we work so closely with them in a range of areas on a daily basis. It also makes sense from a value for money point of view. I look forward to assessing the results of this survey."

People who have made benefits claims and planning applicants may also be asked to complete separate surveys.