Issue - meetings

To consider report and receive a presentation of the Strategy, Growth & Improvement Manager.

The Strategy Growth and Improvement Manager provided a presentation on the National Highways and Transport Survey.

The following comments were made/issues raised:

·         It was reported that this presentation had come to the Forum following a request during the Rights of Way Improvement Plan item at the previous meeting.

·         It was reported that the survey was part a 12-page questionnaire which covered a lot of data, and that the most relevant data had been pulled.

·         It was noted that there had been some variance in the data over the years in which it had been collected, both positive and negative.

·         It was reported that whilst not all of the data was positive feedback, Stockport fell broadly in line with other local authorities.

·         It was reported that this data was used to get a feel for local input and what can be done about the less agreeable areas in terms of local provision. However, it had been found that some of this was outside of local control, and that if things were not generally going well in the news and nationwide then it would affect the satisfaction ratings that respondents give.

·         Members enquired as to how the survey was conducted and who was chosen as a recipient. In response, members of the Forum were advised that the survey was undertaken by a company called Measure to Improve using Ipsos Mori, and that they had issued a set number of surveys randomly. The Council had paid for one issue of the surveys and then a secondary issue of the surveys to those who had not responded yet, with around 700-800 people responding which did not seem to be a number that could be raised by any sort of promotion as there was no personal gain from filling it out.

·         Members enquired as to whether the walking and cycling questions pertained to those who walk and cycle to work or everybody. In response, members of the Forum were advised that recipients were asked whether they were regular walkers or cyclers but did not ask for what purpose.

·         Members noted that equestrians were not included in the survey at all.

·         It was reported that the questions were decided nationally but that the Council did put forward suggestions when they felt that changes could be made. However, the value of the added questions would have to be weighed against the value of those removed. Additionally, other local authorities make similar suggestions as this is a national survey so this may only have an impact of other local authorities were also calling for this change to the survey.

·         Members commented that they understood why there was a low partition rate, as 12 pages of questions was a large quantity for no reward.

·         Members noted that positive responses to satisfaction with public rights of way had generally been declining, with a slow decline since 2017, particularly on the question regarding vegetation.

RESOLVED – That the presentation be noted.