The people of Preston are generally satisfied with their area as a place to live, believe people from different backgrounds get on well and that they can have a say in local decision making.

However, anti-social behaviour, perceptions of drug dealing as a problem and support available for elderly people are areas where Preston could do better.

These are the key findings of a recently published “Place Survey” of 1,100 Preston residents.

Commenting on the survey findings, Councillor Eric Fazackerley, Deputy Leader of the Council said:

“These are interesting findings which confirm previous studies that show Preston is a good place to live and that local people are friendly.

“However, I don’t wear rose tinted glasses and I am aware that not everything in Preston is great. Clearly, like any city, anti-social behaviour is a problem but it is something that the council, the Police and other partners are working hard to tackle and improve.”

In addition to quality of life information, the Place Survey also confirmed a national downward trend with people being less satisfied with council services. In Preston, 42% of people questioned were satisfied with council services and Councillor Fazackerley said:

“It is a concern and something that we do take seriously. Nationally there is a downward trend of people being less satisfied with council services. I think this is because in the past, council tax levels have gone up without people necessarily seeing improvements in council services. We will therefore continue to focus on keeping council tax levels low whilst improving value for money to taxpayers.”

Background Information

1. The results of the national “Place Survey” have now been published. A full copy of the results can be found by following this link.

2. Every council area in the country is required to carry out the “Place Survey”, which asks questions about quality of life as well as satisfaction with local services.

3. At least 1,100 local residents are required to take part in the postal survey which is conducted every two years.

4. The results of the survey are monitored by local councils as well as by the Government and the Audit Commission as part of their performance assessment of local councils.

Date Updated: 30/06/09