Budget Consultation 2007-08

Over 2,200 people responded to the council’s consultation on the budget for 2007-08.

A number of consultation methods were used, including a face-to-face survey of 1,017 people and questionnaires included in the council’s magazine for residents. We also conducted in-depth interviews with 20 local businesses.

The outcomes of the consultation with residents are briefly summarised below.

• Over five out of six respondents (86%) said that it was important for the council to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

• Three quarters (76%) said the council should make streets cleaner and free from litter.

• Two thirds (66%) said it was important for the council to regenerate less affluent areas and a similar proportion said making roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists was important.

• Of the people who were surveyed face-to-face, 78% agreed the council should “promote equal opportunities and actively support disadvantaged groups” and 73% agreed the council should invest more money in “listening to residents’ views and involving the community in decision-making”.

• Over a third of all respondents (37%) favoured “maintaining current levels of service even if this means a modest increase in council tax”.

• Three in ten (29%) wanted the council to "reduce the levels of some services to keep council tax increases to a minimum”.

• The least popular option, preferred by 24% of respondents, was to “improve current levels of service, even if this means a greater increase in council tax”.

A more detailed summary provides more information on the responses and the methodology used. Download the detailed summary by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.