Thursday, 20 August 2009

Cumbria communties urged to use their voice

Councils, police and health services in the county are teaming up to find out what local people think about Cumbria and the public services they receive.

Over the coming weeks a random selection of about 30,000 Cumbrians will receive an invitation to join Cumbria’s citizens’ panel, known as Community Voice.

By signing up residents will be agreeing to take part in a minimum of four questionnaire surveys each year conducted by the public authorities involved.

So anybody wanting their say on health care issues that might affect them, the chance to comment on policing in Cumbria, or to let councils know what they think of council services such as planning and waste, is being urged to sign up to become a member of Community Voice.

The panel will be managed by Craigforth Research, an independent social research company, on behalf of all the public authorities involved.

Invitation letters are set to hit doormats in each of Cumbria’s six districts shortly offering people the chance to get involved in the panel.

Steve Park, head of communications at Cumbria County Council said, "We’re keen to hear more from the public about the whole range of services provided in Cumbria, so we can ensure that these meet people’s needs. Community Voice is an excellent way for people to voice their views and the results will be used to shape service provision.

"It’s a common complaint that councils and other public organisations don’t listen to the public, well Community Voice is all about listening, and acting on what we hear. I’d really encourage people to sign up if they are given the opportunity."

The new panel will be sent its first survey during the autumn, which will focus on the environment, planning, transport and housing. It will include questions from the district and county council, Cumbria NHS and Cumbria Constabulary.

Anybody wanting to know more about Community Voice should call Kieran Barr at Cumbria County Council on 01228 226308

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