September 2013
Featured in this insight: Local & regional government
Survey reveals public concerns over York council: Results from the City of York Council’s Big York Survey, show only a quarter of the 2,700 residents who took part believe they can influence decision making in the city, while further findings suggest that three fifths (57%) do not know who their local councillor is.
The ruling Labour group, whose cabinet will discuss the findings next week, now plans to hold a public meeting in each of York’s 22 council wards over the next year through a “community conversations” initiative.
The survey found nine in ten (89%) residents were “satisfied or very satisfied” with life in York, but almost half felt they did not have a say on local decisions and that York’s bus service was not improving.
Meanwhile, half (45%) of the residents believe the council is not doing well in supporting job creation - compared with a quarter (26%) who were happy with its performance – while a further 51% said street cleanliness should be the authority’s top city-centre priority.
Chief executive Kersten England said:
“We are taking action to address the areas of improvement identified as part of our ongoing drive to get the best for our residents and the city.”
While Council leader James Alexander said:
“I want to hear what residents have to say directly and have proper face-to-face conversations and a meaningful dialogue about what is important to them and how we secure the best future for residents in all our communities.”
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