Mid Devon District Council has released an in-depth report following its extensive 2023 residents' survey, which closed in December last year. The survey, aimed at gathering valuable feedback from the district's inhabitants on a variety of services and issues, saw participation from over 800 residents, offering the Council a substantial data pool to inform its budgeting and service priorities for the coming years.

Engagement and Methodology

The survey, a blend of digital and paper formats, was widely publicized through various channels, including local schools, media, and social media platforms, ensuring broad community engagement. Notably, this year's response rate saw completion of 810 surveys, a slight dip from the previous year but still offering a robust insight into public opinion.

Key Findings and Resident Satisfaction

Significant findings from the survey reveal a mixed bag of satisfaction and concerns among the Mid Devon population. While 74% of respondents expressed satisfaction with their local area as a place to live, a drop in satisfaction with the Council's operations was noted, with only 41% expressing satisfaction in 2023 compared to 49% in 2022. Concerns over value for money, responsiveness to resident concerns, and informed communication were highlighted, showing areas where the Council can aim for improvement.

Services under the Spotlight

Residents placed high importance on the Council tackling climate change, with 80% deeming it very or fairly important, a slight decrease from the previous year. Satisfaction with waste collection services remained strong at 74%, while street cleaning and leisure services saw lower satisfaction rates, pinpointing areas for potential focus and improvement by the Council.

Budget Priorities and Future Focus

When it came to budget priorities, providing basic statutory services topped the list, followed by economic support and development, and affordable housing. The survey also revealed a divided opinion on whether the Council should protect services even if it means increasing council tax and fees.

Community Voices: Areas for Improvement

The survey's open-ended questions brought to light numerous community suggestions, ranging from leisure facilities adjustments, more affordable housing, environmental concerns, and improvements in street and recycling services. Interestingly, a significant portion of feedback touched on areas not directly under the Council's remit, such as road repairs and social care, indicating broader community concerns that may require cross-council collaboration.

Council's Response and Next Steps

The Council has taken a constructive approach to the feedback, with plans to review services that scored below national averages and establish improvement strategies. Additionally, the feedback will play a crucial role in the Council’s budget-setting process for 2024/25, ensuring resources are allocated to areas of highest public concern.

Conclusion

The 2023 Mid Devon residents' survey has provided the Council with critical insights into public satisfaction and areas for improvement. While the feedback presents challenges, it also offers the Council a clear direction for enhancing its services and better aligning its strategies with the community's needs and priorities. As the Council moves to address these areas, the engagement and feedback from its residents will be invaluable in shaping a responsive and community-focused governance.

Full Summary available here .