RESOLVED that the results of the Annual Residents’ Survey 2019 be noted.

Councillor Mark Allison, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance presented the report, outlining the process carried out for the survey and stressing the importance of obtaining the views of residents on how well the Council is performing, which in turn helps the Council to decide what the future priorities should be.  He thanked the officers involved, the company which carried out the survey and the 1000 adults, including the 271 young people, who took part in the survey.  The data provided much to be proud of but some areas for further consideration and learning.

The overall satisfaction with the Council remained high and was above the LGA benchmark.  Merton residents felt more positive overall about their area than elsewhere.  There had been positive responses around Merton being a great place for families, including leisure, schools and perception of crime.  Concerns had been expressed over street scene issues, impacted by the introduction of a brand new system for waste and recycling collection across the Borough.  This trend had been seen in other boroughs that had also introduced similar changes.

One of the main concerns highlighted was the lack of affordable housing in the Borough and this was an issue to be addressed going forward.  The current uncertainty around Brexit had harmed the housing market and impacted the amount of investment in the area and the viability of housing developments. 

Cabinet welcomed the report, including the good results on schools, libraries and leisure provision and that measures would be taken to ensure continued improvement.

The Chair welcomed the results, including the local area breakdown, which provided learning for the future on an area by area; and cluster by cluster basis.

RESOLVED that the results of the Annual Residents’ Survey 2019 be noted.