The results of a six-week-long survey open to all Mid Devon residents were discussed by the Council’s Cabinet this month.

The resident and budget survey ran throughout November and into December, with more than 800 residents completing the questionnaire.

Results from the survey have been used to feed into the Council’s budget setting process and will be used to help steer future plans and the prioritising of services. Questions included topics such as climate change and dealing with economic pressures, as well as listening to how communities feel about current service provision and where the Council can improve.

Councillor Luke Taylor, Leader of the Council, said:

“Thank you to everyone that completed this year’s residents’ survey. The information gathered provides invaluable insights into our community’s priorities and concerns, helping us to tailor our services.”

Each year the Council has to balance its spending against money available in the form of government grants, council tax and business rates. Over the last decade the Council has secured and delivered significant savings, whilst continuing to deliver key services. Set against a challenging financial backdrop the Council has managed to set a balanced budget for 2024/25.

The Council’s Cabinet met last week (2 April 2024) to discuss the findings of the survey and a summary of the results is now available. Individual Cabinet members will now work with their service managers to establish why some scores were below national averages before establishing improvement plans in order to address residents’ feedback.