Islanders are, once again, being given the chance to air their views about living on the Island, on services provided by the Isle of Wight Council and also how they want to see council tax spent next year.

Over the coming weeks, over 1,000 households will be contacted by telephone as part of this year’s residents’ survey.

The survey is a major part of an annual consultation exercise that provides the most accurate account of how Island residents feel about life here and also about council services now and in the future. It is a chance for residents to say which areas of council services are working well and which need improvement.

The results will also help the council decide its spending priorities in next year’s budget which will be set at the end of February.

Besides the telephone survey, conducted by independent research experts to ensure the data collected is representative of the Island’s population, the council will also be canvassing the views of residents at a workshop early in December. Once again a representative sample of the Island’s population will be invited to take part.

The results of all the data collected will be made public in the New Year.

IW Council leader Cllr David Pugh said:

“Because of the recession and the way the council receives funding from Government, next year’s budget will involve taking some difficult decisions. The council is prepared to make those decisions but is also keen to ensure those choices reflect the opinions of residents.

“It is likely we will have to review some services as part of our need to live within our means but we are keen to direct resources to those that are most valued by our residents and those for which we have a statutory duty.

“I would ask residents to take the time to respond to the telephone survey if they are contacted in the coming weeks. I assure residents that their views will be taken into account when setting the budget.

“This consultation is a genuine chance for Islanders to influence the decisions that will affect services the council provides.”