Thousands of Thanet residents invited to take part in annual survey

Six thousand people in Thanet are being invited to have their say on their area as a place to live and which council services should be prioritised, as part of Thanet District Council’s Annual Residents’ Survey.

The randomly selected residents will also be asked for their views on the services the council provides. The information from these responses will help shape the council’s priorities and the work it does in the district. The online survey should take around 15 minutes to complete.

The council has seen significant funding cuts from the Government, in the region of £8 million since 2010 which represents a 60% cash reduction. Further funding reductions are expected in the future and the council will have to save an additional £2.5 million by 2024 so it is vital that council resources are targeted to meet residents’ priorities. Government funding cuts have also put increased pressure to fund a greater proportion of local services from council tax.  

Cllr Ash Ashbee, Leader of Thanet District Council said:

“Our annual survey is a real opportunity for residents living in Thanet to tell us what we as a council need to focus on and what matters to them. The results will help us shape how we can improve our services, as well as how and what we spend money on.

“Based on the feedback from respondents in our last survey, we have been able to focus on things that are really important to residents. Thriving towns, clean streets and feeling safe were cited in last year’s survey as most in need of improvement, and despite the challenges of the pandemic, these have remained a priority.

“If you are selected to take part, I’d urge you to please take the time to have your say as your opinion helps us to review our services with the needs of residents truly in mind.”

The random sample of residents will receive a postcard providing them with a unique reference number which they will need to complete the survey online. All responses to the survey will 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. 

The residents’ survey for 2020 was carried out six months later than usual having been held back while the council focussed its efforts on supporting people through the pandemic. The survey for this year (2021) has reverted to being carried out in the autumn, to link in with the council’s budget setting process. Results from last year’s survey can be found on our website.

All surveys should be completed by 6pm on Thursday 28 October 2021. 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 will be used to help inform our services in the future.