Information from the 2007-08 Residents' Survey

The Residents’ Survey is an annual postal survey undertaken in the autumn to seek information from Newcastle adult residents on their perceptions of council services and neighbourhood issues. The following table details key findings of the 2007/8 survey for the ward and the city as a whole. It is followed by a summary of the key perceptions of the ward’s residents about Council services and their local area.

Positive findings

  • More residents than the City average were satisfied with opportunities for participation in their local decision-making (51% compared to 37%).
  • More residents than the City average agreed that they could influence decisions made locally (41% compared to 36%).
  • More residents than the City average agreed that the Council keeps residents well-informed about the services and benefits it provides (64% compared to 58%).
  • More residents than the City average agreed that the Council takes some account of residents’ views when making decisions (56% compared to 68%).
  • More residents than the City average were satisfied with the following services:
    • Doorstep recycling (73% compared to 59%)
    • Local recycling facilities (63% compared to 54%)
    • Keeping land free of litter and refuse (66% compared to 61%)

Possible areas for attention

  • Fewer residents than the City average were satisfied with their local area as a place to live (59% compared to 75%). 
  • Fewer ward residents than the City average agreed that their local area had got better / not changed much in the last year (70% compared to 75%).
  • Fewer ward residents than the City average agreed that their local area is a place where people from different backgrounds get on well together (58% compared to 65%).
  • Fewer ward residents than the City average agreed that they felt safe when they were outside in their local area after dark (34% compared to 41%).
  • Fewer ward residents than the City average were satisfied with the choice of housing in their local area (50% compared to 66%).
  • Fewer ward residents than the City average were satisfied with the way the Council runs things (50% compared to 64%).
  • All anti-social behaviour issues targeted by the survey were a problem in this ward.
  • Fewer residents than the City average were satisfied with the following services:
    • Parks and open spaces (64% compared to 76%).
    • Local bus service (60% compared to 66%).
    • Public transport information (49% compared to 55%).

Neighbourhood Issues

 Indicators

 Ward
N=96

 Newcastle
N=3326

Satisfied with local area as a place to live 

59%75%

Local area has got better/not changed much in the last year

70%75%

Satisfied with changes that have taken place in area in the last two years

52%48%

Agree local area is a place where people from different backgrounds get on well together

58%65%

Satisfied with opportunities for participation in local decision making

51%37%

Agree can influence decisions locally

41%36%

Feel safe when outside in local area after dark

34%41%

Feel safe when outside in Newcastle city centre after dark

35%32%

Satisfied with choice of housing in local area

50%66%

 

Anti-social behaviour (% who thought it was a problem)
 Indicators Ward
N=96
Newcastle
N=3326 

Parents not taking responsibility for the behaviour of their children

85%66%

People not treating other people with respect and consideration

72%59%

Noisy neighbours or loud parties

43%26%

Teenagers hanging around on the streets

73%55%

Vandalism, graffiti and other deliberate damage to property and vehicles

67%54%

People being attacked because of their skin colour, ethnic origin or religion

44%24%

People using or dealing drugs

78%51%

Drunk or rowdy behaviour

59%46%

Rubbish and litter lying around

61%52%

Abandoned/burnt out cars

17%12%

 

The Council
Indicators  Ward
N=96
 Newcastle
N=3326

Satisfied with the way the Authority runs things 

50%64%

Council keeps residents well informed about the services and benefits it provides

64%58%

Agree enough opportunity to influence Council policies and services

32%22%

Council takes some account of residents' views when making decisions

56%68%

 

Services
Indicators 

 Ward
N=96

 Newcastle
N=3326

Satisfied with waste collection service

85%86%

Satisfied with doorstep recycling

73%59%

Satisfied with local recycling facilities

63%54%

Satisfied with keeping land free of litter and refuse

66%61%

Satisfied with sports, leisure facilities and events

56%55%

Satisfied with libraries

68%65%

Satisfied with parks and open spaces

64%76%

Satisfied with local bus service

60%66%

Satisfied with public transport information

49%55%

Note : Differences of less than 10 percentage points between the city average and the ward result may not be significant. Conclusions drawn on the basis of differences of less than 10 percentage points should be treated with caution.