Isle of Wight residents are soon to receive a survey  which will seek their views on what they think of their local area.

Notice of consultation ‘Place Survey’ Allows Public To Set Quality Of Life. was first published in December 2007. 

As part of new government plans that aims to improve outcomes for local people and places, a biennial (every two years) ‘Place Survey’ will be carried out on behalf of the Island Strategic Partnership of which Isle of Wight Council is a member.

The idea is to capture people’s views, experiences and perceptions of their local area and four thousand Isle of Wight residents will shortly be sent a survey which will seek their views on what they think of their local area.

The new Place Survey replaces its previous incumbent, the Best Value Performance Indicator surveys (BVPI). It differs in that it asks residents about their local area, rather than what they think of their local authority.

An example of some of the topics that are covered in the survey include how satisfied you are with public services such as GP’s and the police, how frequently you use services such as public transport, and how well informed you are about subjects, such as where to register to vote.

The results will be key in helping organisations including Isle of Wight Council and the Island Strategic Partnership to set priorities, develop future programmes and plan schemes aimed at improving local areas across the Isle of Wight.

The council is committed to improving the outcomes for residents and its recent Residents Survey is already helped the local authority identify key priorities.

The Place Survey will take place between 25th September and 19th December. It will be carried out by independent research firm, QA Research, which has been commissioned by Isle of Wight Council following a tendering process. Results are due to be published in March 2009.