Thousands of Thanet residents asked ‘What’s your view?’ in annual survey

Thanet District Council’s annual Residents’ Survey is back for 2025. Seven thousand households in Thanet will be sent a postcard inviting them to take part.  It is a chance for local residents to have their say about where they live and the services provided by the council.

Thanet District Council currently provides over 30 different services for local people.  The feedback received will help to determine its priorities and shape the work it does in the district.

The survey invites residents, who have been randomly selected, to give their views on some of the council’s key services. It can be completed online and should take less than 10 minutes.

Households that get a postcard will see it has a unique reference number which is needed to complete the survey online. All responses to the survey remain anonymous. The survey can be completed by any resident (aged 18+) living at that address, but only one survey can be completed per household. Addresses are selected at random, and weighted by area.  

Colin Carmichael, Chief Executive of Thanet District Council, said: “Our annual residents’ survey is the biggest opportunity the council has to hear from local people. Not only does it mean we get a direct insight into what people think matters the most, it’s also when we hear from people who might not otherwise contact us. It’s a chance to influence how we spend public funds. 

“We need to know what residents think is going well and more importantly what they think we need to get better at doing. The feedback we get shapes what we do next.

“In recent years we’ve focused on making sure the district is safer and cleaner, that the economy and our towns are thriving and, worked hard to support the local people in finding affordable places to live. We’ve been told we need to keep listening to residents and that everything we do has to be done efficiently. This is as a direct result of the feedback we’ve had before.

“Is that still the priority? What else should we be focusing on? Have people noticed the changes? These are the sorts of things we hope residents will take the time to tell us.

“If you get a postcard this is your chance to help shape the work we do for the next year and beyond. Don’t miss this opportunity to influence what we do for you – please complete the survey and make your views heard.”

The 2025 Residents’ Survey is being carried out in the autumn. This then links in with the council’s budget setting process. 

Residents who don’t receive a postcard can still give feedback via Your Voice Thanet.

All surveys should be completed by 5pm on Monday 24 November 2025.

Residents invited to complete the survey will also be given information on how to request a printed copy if one is required. The results will be published and are used to help inform the council’s services in the future.

Results from last year’s survey can be found on thanet.gov.uk