Local people urged to complete Viewpoint survey

Thousands of local people will be having their say about a range of public services after a detailed survey was sent to more 19,000 households.

The Worcestershire Viewpoint survey gathers public opinion on behalf of Worcestershire County Council, the six district councils, NHS Worcestershire and Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.

Anyone who receives a survey through their letterbox is being encouraged to fill it in and return it before the Friday, June 11 deadline.

The current survey is the second since the partners agreed to do the research together and more than 4,000 people have already signed up to take part in Worcestershire Viewpoint. The extra 15,000 surveys have been sent to a random sample of addresses to get a good cross-section of the Worcestershire community.

The questions include a high-profile budget consultation which asks people how highly they value each County Council service, because the authority is planning for a 15 per cent budget reduction between 2011 and 2014. The responses will be used to inform decisions about any changes to services.

Councillor Simon Geraghty, Worcestershire County Council's Cabinet Member for Planning, Economy & Performance, said: "Worcestershire Viewpoint is our main research method to find out what local people think about all of our services. It's very important that we hear from as many people as possible so we can improve our understanding of what residents want and need from us. There are tough times ahead for public services with limited funding expected to be available, so it's crucial that everyone has a say and gets involved."

To sign up to become a regular member of the Worcestershire Viewpoint panel, visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/viewpoint or call 01905 768333. Members can opt to receive surveys electronically if they prefer.