Public Opinion Survey 2016/17
Report
February 2017
Prepared For: Vale of Glamorgan Council
Prepared By: Future Focus Research www.futurefocusresearch.co.uk
Appendix A
Contents Page
1. Executive Summary 1 1.1 Research Method 1 1.2 Council Services 1 1.3 Communication with the Council 1 1.4 Volunteering 2 1.5 The Council’s Budget 2 2. Approach to research 3 2.1 Research Objectives 3 2.2 Research Method 3 3. Research Findings 5 3.1 Council Services 5 3.1.1 Overall Satisfaction with Council Services 5 3.1.2 Vale of Glamorgan as Place to Live 7 3.1.3 Town Centres 9 3.1.4 Heritage Coast 12 3.1.5 Parks and Open Spaces 13 3.1.6 Leisure Facilities 14 3.1.7 Transport and Highways 16 3.1.8 Recycling and Waste Management 19 3.2 Community Safety 22 3.3 Communication with the Council 23 3.3.1 Influencing Decisions Made by the Council 23 3.3.2 Satisfaction with Communication Methods 26 3.3.3 Information from Council Sources 27 3.3.4 Information from Media Sources 28 3.3.5 Bro Radio 29 3.3.6 Accessing the Council’s Website and Online Services 30 3.3.7 General Use of Online Services 35 3.3.8 Encouraging Greater Use of Online Services 36 3.4 Volunteering 38 3.5 The Council’s Budget 41
Appendix A
1. Executive Summary
1.1 Research Method
. 1005 interviewers were undertaken with a representative sample of residents of the Vale of Glamorgan. Interviews were conducted in December 2016 and January 2017.
1.2 Council Services
. 92% were satisfied with the services provided by the Council. . 97% were satisfied with the Vale of Glamorgan as a place to live. . The most popular town centres to visit overall were Barry (Holton Road), Penarth and Barry (High Street), although, unsurprisingly the town centres that people visited most frequently were the ones closest to where they lived. . Cowbridge, Penarth and Llantwit Major were rated as the best town centres, with at least 9 in 10 residents rating them as very or fairly good. . Almost everyone was satisfied with the heritage coast overall (98%) and the coastal paths in the Vale (97%). . When asked about Barry Island, 81% were satisfied with the facilities and 85% were satisfied with Barry Island overall. . Almost everyone said that they were either very or fairly satisfied with country parks (96%), open spaces (95%), parks (94%) and play facilities (89%). . Almost half of residents take part in daily physical activity (46%), and a further 17% take part 2 – 3 times a week. . 90% said that they were satisfied with leisure services overall. . The most popular form of transport, not surprisingly, was the car, with 69% of residents using one daily. 20% used the bus weekly, and 16% used the train weekly. . Around 9 in 10 residents were satisfied with access to public transport (90%), public transport information (89%), rail services (89%) and community transport (88%) and 78% were satisfied with bus services. Much fewer residents were satisfied with the road safety (56%), the condition of pavements (41%) and the condition of roads (36%). . Just 1 in 8 households (13%) do not participate in any recycling scheme. . 85% of households take part in co-mingled recycling and 78% in food waste. . Over 9 in 10 residents were satisfied with all aspects of recycling and waste management. . When asked about feeling safe, most residents felt safe in all situations.
1.3 Communication with the Council
. In order to influence a decision made by the Council, over a half (52%) would contact a local Council Officer. Just over a quarter (26%) said that they would not attempt to influence a Council decision.
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. Over 6 in 10 (62%) disagreed that they could influence a decision made by the Council. Only 26% agreed that they could. . 88% were satisfied with the overall communication from the Council. Lowest satisfaction was with telephone calls (86% satisfied). . The most popular sources of Council information were the website (31%), followed by letters/leaflets through the post (18%) and local notice boards (18%). . The most popular media source for information on the Council was BBC Wales television programmes (23%) and the Glamorgan Gem newspaper (18%). . 14% claimed to listen to Bro Radio at least once a week or more often. . 40% had accessed the Council’s website in the last year, although access was fairly infrequent (58% less than once a month). . Awareness of services offered by the website was high, with at least 6 in 10 residents aware of all services, regardless of whether they had used the website or not. . Just under a third (32%) agreed that the Council should continue to invest in more online services. . When asked about their general use of online services, just 26% of residents had not used any online services in the last 12 months. . Just 14% of residents said that they would not feel able to access Council services online.
1.4 Volunteering
. 14% of residents currently volunteer either in a formal or an informal capacity. . A further 14% said that they would consider volunteering. . Online searching was the most popular place to find information about volunteering.
1.5 The Council’s Budget
. Just 13% were fully aware of the Council’s current budget situation and a further 39% were aware but not to the full extent. . Three quarter of residents (75%) were happy for some services that are currently delivered by the Council to be delivered by other organisations. . 83% agreed with the Council’s approach of looking at organisations who were performing well and trying to encourage other organisations to allow them to deliver them on their behalf. . The preferred option for addressing the budget shortfall was to develop new services that would generate revenue. . 84% were supportive of the Council considering sponsorships to generate income.
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Appendix A
2. Approach to research
2.1 Research Objectives
The objectives of the research were to understand: . overall satisfaction with the Council . overall satisfaction with the Vale of Glamorgan as a place to live . frequency of visiting town centres and how they are rated . satisfaction with aspects of the County including parks, coastal areas and leisure facilities . frequency of use, and satisfaction with public transport . participation in, and satisfaction with recycling . feeling of safety . communication with the Council . use of the Council’s website . views on accessing services online . participation in volunteering . views on how the Council can address the budget shortfall
Where possible results are compared with previous years to track any changes.
2.2 Research Method
The research method adopted for the 2016/17 survey mirrored that used in previous years to enable comparisons to be made with greater accuracy.
A total of 1005 interviews were undertaken with residents living in the Vale of Glamorgan Council Area. Residents who worked for the Council were excluded and only one resident per household was eligible to take part in the survey. Interviews were conducted so that they included a representation from each ward so that the sample mirrored, as closely as possible, the population of the Vale of Glamorgan. Interviews were conducted in December 2016 and January 2017.
Our sample distribution is shown in table 1 below.
Table 1: Sample structure No of shifts/ No. of % of sample % of sampling interviews Ward population points achieved Llantwit Major 8.4 6 90 9.0 Cadoc 7.9 6 90 9.0 Illtyd 6.5 5 75 7.5 Dinas Powys 6.2 4 60 6.0 Rhoose 5.5 4 60 6.0 St Augustines 5.1 4 60 6.0 Buttrills 5.0 3 45 4.5 Cowbridge 4.9 3 45 4.5
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Baruc 4.9 3 45 4.5 Gibbonsdown 4.7 3 45 4.5 Plymouth 4.6 3 45 4.5 Cornerswell 4.2 3 45 4.5 Dyfan 4.1 3 45 4.5 Castleland 4.1 3 45 4.5 Court 3.7 3 45 4.5 Sully 3.6 2 30 3.0 Stanwell 3.5 2 30 3.0 St Athan 3.5 2 30 3.0 Wenvoe 2.1 1 15 1.5 St Brides’s Major 2.1 1 15 1.5 Llandow/Ewenny 2.0 1 15 1.5 Peterson-Super-Ely 1.8 1 15 1.5 Llandough 1.6 1 15 1.5 Total 100.0 67 1005 100.0
The Post Office Address File was used as the sampling source to select the required number of starting addresses for each ward at random. Once the sampling point addresses were selected, starting at each point, interviewers followed random routes to make contact with adults and interview them in accordance with pre-determined quota controls. Quotas were set on age, gender and social class. These were based on the profile of the actual population and are shown in table 2 below.
Table 2: Quota Controls Demographic % of population No of Interviews % of sample Area Barry 45 435 43 East 27 285 28 West 28 285 28 Age 16 – 34 27 273 27 35 – 54 38 381 38 55+ 35 351 35 Gender Male 48 483 48 Female 52 522 52 Age 16 – 34 27 273 27 35 – 54 38 381 38 55+ 35 351 35 SEG AB 23 278 28 C1 31 352 35 C2 18 171 17 DE 27 204 20 Total 100 1,005 100
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Appendix A
3. Research Findings
This section presents the results of the research. Where differences are apparent by area or demographics these have been highlighted in the reports. Comparisons with previous surveys have also been made where relevant and available.
3.1 Council Services
3.1.1 Overall Satisfaction with Council Services
Overall, 92% were satisfied with the services provide by the Council. There was very little variation by area – ranging from 94% in Barry to 91% in the West. See figure 1.
FIGURE 1
There was only minor variation by age, gender or SEG with satisfaction remaining high for all residents. The least satisfied were males (10% very or fairly dissatisfied), C2s (12%) and DEs (13%). See figure 2.
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FIGURE 2
A higher proportion were satisfied with Council services in 2016/17 than in 2014 (92% compared to 84%). See figure 3.
FIGURE 3
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3.1.2 Vale of Glamorgan as a Place to Live
Almost everyone was satisfied with the Vale of Glamorgan as a place to live (97%). Although extremely high in all areas, satisfaction was lowest in Barry (94%). See figure 4.
FIGURE 4
There was little variation by age, gender or SEG with satisfaction remaining high for all residents. The least satisfied were DEs (11% very or fairly dissatisfied). See figure 5.
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FIGURE 5
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3.1.3 Town Centres
Residents were asked how often they visited each of the town centres. Barry Holton Road (33% once a week or more often), Penarth (32%) and Barry High Street (28%) were the most popular town centres overall. See figure 6.
However, as expected, frequency of visits varied depending on where you lived. Those living in the Barry area were most likely to visit Holton Road (54% once a week or more often) and Barry Town Centre (50%), those living in the Eastern Vale were most likely to visit Penarth (74%) and those living in the Western Vale were most likely to visit Cowbridge (29%) and Llantwit Major (32%).
FIGURE 6
In comparison with 2014, residents visited Penarth, Cowbridge and Llantwit Major with a similar level of frequency. Visits to Barry High Street were slightly more frequent (28% at least once a week in 2016/7 compared to 21% in 2014), whilst visits to Barry Holton Road were slightly less frequent (32% compared to 39%). See figure 7.
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FIGURE 7
Those who had visited the town centres were asked to rate each one they had visited. The town centre rated highest was Cowbridge (98% very or fairly good) followed by Penarth (95%) and Llantwit Major (90%). To the contrary, Barry Holton Road was rated as very or fairly poor by 38% of residents. This was followed by Barry High Street (25% very or fairly poor). See figure 8.
FIGURE 8
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Similar ratings were given to the town centres in 2014, the only notable differences being Barry High Street has increased from 58% very/fairly good in 2014 to 74% in 2016/7 and Penarth has increased from 89% to 96%. See figure 9.
FIGURE 9
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Appendix A
3.1.4 Heritage Coast
Residents were asked how satisfied they were with the heritage coast. Almost everyone (98%) were either very or fairly satisfied with the heritage coast overall and the coastal paths in the Vale (97%). Over 8 in 10 were also satisfied with the facilities at Barry Island (81%) and Barry Island Overall (85%). See figure 10.
FIGURE 10
Whilst there were no differences by area or demographics with residents’ satisfaction with the heritage coast overall or the coastal paths, there were slight differences when asked about Barry Island.
Certain groups were more likely to be dissatisfied with the facilities at Barry Island namely those aged 55+ (22% very or fairly dissatisfied) and C2s (25%), and for Barry Island Overall – those aged 55+ (18%).
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Appendix A
3.1.5 Parks and Open Spaces
Residents were asked how satisfied they were with parks and open spaces in the area. Almost everyone said that they were either very or fairly satisfied with all aspects – country parks (96%), open spaces (95%), parks (94%) and play facilities (89%). However, just over 1 in 10 (11%) were dissatisfied with play facilities in the area. See figure 11.
FIGURE 11
Whilst satisfaction with all aspects was high, there were a few slight differences by demographics.
Dissatisfaction with open spaces was highest amongst those living in Barry (7%), C2s and DEs (both 9%).
Those living in the West (9%) and C2s (11%) were more likely to be dissatisfied with parks whilst dissatisfaction with country parks was highest amongst DEs (7%).
Dissatisfaction with play facilities was highest amongst those living in the East (16%), 35 – 54 years olds (15%), C1s (14%) and C2s (15%).
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Appendix A
3.1.6 Leisure Facilities
Almost half of residents take part in physical activity daily (46%), and a further 17% 2 -3 time per week.
Those aged 16-34 (58%) and ABs (55%) were most likely to take part in daily physical activity. See figure 12.
FIGURE 12
When asked how satisfied they were with leisure facilities 90% said that they were either very or fairly satisfied with leisure services overall. A very high proportion were also satisfied with Penarth (89%) and Cowbridge Leisure Centres (87%). Although a small sample size, over 1 in 5 (22%) were dissatisfied with Holm View Leisure Centre. See figure 13.
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FIGURE 13
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3.1.7 Transport and Highways
Residents were asked how often they used each form of transport. The most popular was car with 69% of residents using it daily. Six in 10 (60%) also said that they walked on a daily basis.
One in 5 (20%) used the bus at least once a week, and around 1 in 6 (16%) used the train at least once a week. Just 7% cycled on a weekly basis.
A very small proportion (just 3%) used community transport, but this was once a fortnight or less often. See figure 14.
FIGURE 14
Compared to 2014, residents were using all modes of transport with similar levels of frequency. See figure 15.
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FIGURE 15
There were some differences evident by area. Residents living in the Barry area were more likely to use a bus (28% at least once a week) and less likely to use a car (81%), cycle (5%) and walk (77%).
Residents living in the Eastern Vale were more likely to use the train (22% at least once a week) and walk (89%).
Residents from the Western Vale were most likely to use the car (91% at least once a week) but least likely to use the bus (13%).
In terms of demographics, males were more than twice as likely to cycle as females (12% at least once a week compared to 5%).
Younger residents, those aged 16 – 34, were most likely to use the bus (31% at least once a week), the train (26%), cycle (16%) and walk (91%), but were least like use a car (80%).
Those aged 35 – 54 were most likely to use a car (92% at least once a week).
Older residents, those aged 55+, were more likely to use a bus (25% at least once a week), but were less likely to use a car (82%), a train (9%), cycle (4%) or walk (75%).
Looking at social grade, ABs were most likely to use a car (98% at least once a week), a train (31%), cycle (12%) and walk (89%) but were less likely to use the bus (15%). Those classed as social grade DEs were much less likely to use a car (68% at least once a week) but were much more likely to use the bus (38%).
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Appendix A
Residents were asked how satisfied they were with various aspects of public transport and highways. Around nine in 10 residents were satisfied (either very or fairly) with access to public transport (90%), public transport information (89%), rail services (89%), and community transport (88%). A slightly smaller proportion were satisfied with bus services (78%).
Greatest dissatisfaction (either very or fairly) was with the condition of roads (65%), the condition of pavements (60%) and road safety (44%). See figure 16.
FIGURE 16
There were some differences by area. Those living in the Western Vale were less satisfied than those in other areas with public transport information and access to public transport (both 17% very or fairly dissatisfied), bus services (33% dissatisfied) and the condition of roads (70% dissatisfied). Those living in the East were the most satisfied overall.
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Appendix A
3.1.8 Recycling and Waste Management
A high proportion of households participate in co-mingled recycling (83%) and food waste (78%) and a slightly smaller proportion participate in garden waste recycling (61%).
Only a very small proportion partake in free compost (6%) and free wood chippings (5%).
Approximately 1 in 8 households (13%) do not participate in any of the recycling schemes. See figure 17.
FIGURE 17
Participation in co-mingled recycling varied by area. Participation was lowest in Barry at 74%, and highest in the Western Vale (93%).
Almost 1 in 5 (19%) of those living in Barry did not participate in any recycling scheme, compared to 1 in 10 of those living in the Eastern Vale (9%) and 1 in 20 of those from the West (5%).
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Appendix A
Residents were asked how satisfied they were with aspects of the recycling and waste management service. Most residents were satisfied with all aspects of the recycling and waste management service - garden waste recycling facilities (98%), food waste recycling facilities (98%), co-mingled recycling facilities (97%), recycling centres (95%), cleanliness standards (93%) and general household waste collections (91%). See figure 18.
FIGURE 18
The only notable difference by area was that those living in Barry were less satisfied with cleanliness standards (84% very or fairly satisfied), whilst those living in the Eastern Vale were the most satisfied (93%).
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Comparisons with previous years was only possible for some aspects. Satisfaction has remained consistent with last year. See figure 19.
FIGURE 19
Please note: prior to 2016/7 co-mingled recycling was phrased as kerbside recycling, recycling centres was phrased as civic amenity sites and general household collection was phrased as refuse collection.
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Appendix A
3.2 Community Safety
Residents were asked how safe they feel in different situations. Most residents feel either very or fairly safe in all situations. See figure 20.
FIGURE 20
Those living in the Barry area were more likely to feel unsafe walking in their local area (9% very or fairly unsafe compared to 2% in the Eastern Vale and 3% in the West). They were also more likely to feel unsafe at home (5% very or fairly safe compared to 0% in the Eastern Vale and 1% in the West).
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3.3 Communication with the Council
3.3.1 Influencing Decisions Made by the Council
Residents were asked how they would go about influencing a decision made by the Council should they wish to do so. Over half (52%) would contact a Council Officer, and a further 22% would contact their local councillor. Other methods were mentioned including sign a petition (14%), attend a public meeting (8%) and contact another elected official (7%). Just over a quarter (26%) said that they would not attempt to influence a decision. See figure 21.
FIGURE 21
Those living in Barry were most likely to contact a council officer (58%) as were ABs (62%).
Residents from the Western Vale were most likely to contact their local councillor (34%) as were those aged 55% (27%) and ABs (31%).
Those living in the Eastern Vale were most likely to say that they would not attempt to influence a decision (35%) as were males (29%), 16 – 34 year olds (34%) and those of social grade C2 (35%).
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Appendix A
Only just over a quarter of residents (26%) agreed that they could influence decisions made by the Council. Almost two thirds (62%) disagreed.
Females were more like to agree that they can influence decisions than males (29% strongly agree or agree compared to 19%). Agreement also increased with age from 15% of those age 16 – 34 to 31% of those aged 55%. See figure 22.
There were no differences by area.
FIGURE 22
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The proportion of residents agreeing that they can influence decisions made by the Council has remained consistent with 2014, although the proportion who strongly disagree has increased from 31% to 47%. See figure 23.
FIGURE 23
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3.3.2 Satisfaction with Communication Methods
Whilst 88% were satisfied with the overall communication from the Council, 1 in 8 (12%) expressed dissatisfaction (either very or fairly).
Residents were generally happy with all methods of communication, with information from the Council’s website gaining the highest level of satisfaction (97% very or fairly satisfied).
Satisfaction was lowest for telephone calls with 1 in 7 residents (14%) dissatisfied (either very or fairly). See figure 24.
FIGURE 24
Younger residents and ABs were most likely to be satisfied with the overall communication from the Council (both 93% very or fairly satisfied). Whilst, those aged 55+ and C2s were least satisfied (15% and 21% very or fairly dissatisfied respectively).
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3.3.3 Information from Council Sources
Residents were asked whether they had received or accessed information from a list of sources. The most popular source mentioned by 31% of residents was the Council’s website. This was followed by letters/leaflets through the post and local notice boards (both 18%).
Over half (53%) of respondents had received or accessed information from at least one of these sources in the last 12 months. Females were the most likely (59%) as were those aged 35 – 54 (63%).
Those least likely to have received any information were males (55% no information received) and DEs (67%) compared to 47% of residents overall.
Compared to 2014, the proportion accessing information via the Council’s website has increased from 19% to 31%, whilst the proportion of those who have received letters/leaflets through the post and accessing the Vale Connect e-newsletter has decreased. See figure 25.
FIGURE 25
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3.3.4 Information from Media Sources
In terms of media sources, the most popular source of information was BBC Wales television programmes (23%), most likely to be watched by those living in the Eastern Vale and Western Vale (27% and 29%), males (25%), those aged 55+ (37%), ABs (26%) and C1s (28%).
The next most popular source was the Glamorgan Gem newspaper (18%), most likely to be read by those living in the Western Vale (31%), those aged 55+ (27%), C2s (23%) and DEs (22%).
Just under 4 in 10 (39%) did not access information from any media outlets. These most likely to be those living in Barry (45%), males (44%) and those aged 16 – 34 (62%).
The percentage of those gaining information from all media sources has decreased since 2014, in particular the Glamorgan Gem newspaper which decreased from 51% to 18%. See figure 26.
FIGURE 26
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3.3.5 Bro Radio
Whilst just 2% claimed to receive information about the Council from Bro Radio, 1 in 7 residents (14%) said that they listen to Bro Radio at least once a week or more often (4% daily).
Those most likely to listen to Bro Radio at least once a week were those living in the Eastern Vale (20%), females (17%), C2s (16%) and DEs (17%).
The frequency with which residents listen to Bro Radio is similar to 2014 (12%). See figure 27.
FIGURE 27
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Appendix A
3.3.6 Accessing the Council’s Website and Online Services
4 in 10 residents (40%) had accessed the Council’s website in the last 12 months. 40% said they had visited the English site and 4% (of the same people) had also visited the Welsh site. Access to the website varied by area from 34% of those in Barry to 49% of those living in the Western Vale. See figure 28.
FIGURE 28
There were differences by age, with those aged 35 -54 much more likely to have accessed the website than other age groups (56%). The likelihood of accessing the website decreased with social grade from 47% of ABs to just 27% of DEs. See figure 29.
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FIGURE 29
The percentage accessing the website has decreased slightly since 2014 from 47% to 40%. See figure 30.
FIGURE 30
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When asked how often they accessed the website over half (58%) of respondents accessed it less than once a month. However, 1 in 7 residents (14%) claimed to access the website once a week or more often. See figure 31.
FIGURE 31
Respondents were asked whether they were aware of a number of services offered by the Council’s website. Awareness was highest for apply for a job (69%) - 7% said that they were aware and had used this facility, 62% were aware but had not used this) and request a service, such as waste collection (69% - 17% were aware and had used this facility, 52% were aware and had not used this).
Given that the question was asked of all residents regardless of whether they had used the website or not in the last 12 months, awareness was high for all services (lowest awareness was 59% for make licensing applications). See figure 32.
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FIGURE 32
Those who had used the website to access any of the online services were asked the reasons why they had used the website for this. The most popular reason by far was that it was quicker and easier (95%). The next most popular reason was that it was available outside of office hours (35%). (note: respondents were able to select more than one reason)
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Residents were asked whether the Council should continue to invest in more online services and just under a third (32%) said that they should. Over half (56%) did not agree.
Women (35%), those aged 35 – 54 (39%) and C1s (40%) were the most likely to agree. See figure 33.
FIGURE 33
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3.3.7 General Use of Online Services
Residents were asked what other services they had accessed online in the past 12 months. Just over two thirds (67%) of residents already used online shopping and just over 6 in 10 (61%) use online banking.
Just under three quarters (74%) had used at least one online service in the past 12 months. This rose to 90% of those aged 16 – 34s and to 87% of ABs.
Just 26% of residents had not used any online services in the last 12 months. Those most likely to have not used any services were those aged 55+ (51%) and DEs (55%). See figure 34.
FIGURE 34
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3.3.8 Encouraging Greater Use of Online Services
When asked whether they would be able to access services online (e.g. requesting a new bin), 83% of all residents said that they would. Just 1 in 7 residents (14%) said that they did not feel able.
Whilst there was little variation by area (85% Yes in Barry and West, 80% in East), there were some variations by demographics. Older residents (those over 55) were much less likely to say that they could access services online (62% compared to 85% of the other age groups). Ability to access services online also decreased with social grade from 92% of ABs to 62% of DEs. See figure 35.
FIGURE 35
The main reasons given by those who did not feel able were don’t have a computer, don’t have access to the internet or not interested.
Residents were asked what would encourage them to use online services more often. Half of residents (50%) said that there is nothing that would encourage them to access more of the services that they use online as they already access services online wherever possible.
Suggestions given included more information about what is available online (12%) and more guidance on how to access services online (12%).
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Just 6% said that there was nothing that could be done to encourage them to use services online. This increased to 14% of those aged 55+ and to 16 % of DEs. See figure 36. FIGURE 36
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3.4 Volunteering
One in 7 residents (14%) currently undertake voluntary or community work in either a formal or an informal capacity.
Those most likely to be currently volunteering were those living in the West (18%), Females (16%), those age 35 -55 and 55+ (both 16%), ABs (22%) and DEs (18%). See figure 37.
FIGURE 37
Those who didn’t currently volunteer were asked whether they would consider volunteering if they were offered the opportunity. A further 14% said that they would consider it if asked.
Those living in the west were twice as likely to say that they would consider volunteering as those living in the other two areas (22% compared to 11% in Barry and West). Those age 16 – 35 were less likely to say that they would consider volunteering (10%). See figure 38.
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FIGURE 38
Whilst those currently volunteering was consistent with 2014 (16% compared to 14%), those who would consider volunteering is much lower (14% compared to 27% in 2014). See figure 39.
FIGURE 39
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Search for information Online was the most popular source of information on volunteering with 48% stating that they would look here if they wanted to find any local volunteering opportunities. Just under a quarter said that they would contact the organisation directly. See figure 40.
FIGURE 40
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3.5 The Council’s Budget
Residents were asked whether they were aware of the Councils need to find £9.3 million of saving over the next 3 years. Just 13% were fully aware, and a further 39% were aware but not of the extent of the saving. Just under half (48%) were unaware.
Those living in the West were most like to be aware (17%) and those in the East the least likely (9%). See figure 41.
FIGURE 41
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Those aged 35 – 55 were more likely to be aware than the other groups (17%), particularly those aged 16 – 35 where only 6% were aware. ABs were most likely to be aware (18%) and DEs the least (6%). See figure 42.
FIGURE 42
In 2014, a similar proportion of residents were fully aware of the Council’s budget shortfall (14% fully aware), however in 2014 those who were aware to some extent was greater at 51%. See figure 43.
FIGURE 43
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Appendix A
Residents were asked whether they would be happy for some services that are currently delivered by the Council to be delivered by other organisations. Three quarters (75%) said that they would be happy.
This was highest in the Western Vale where 83% of residents said that they would be happy, whilst only 69% said that same in the East.
Younger residents were more likely to be happy than older residents, with just 67% of those aged over 55 saying yes compared to 83% of those aged 16 – 35. The level of agreement decreased with social grade from 84% of ABs to just 59% of DEs. See figure 44.
FIGURE 44
Future Focus Research: Vale of Glamorgan Public Opinion Survey 2016.17 43
Appendix A
With three quarter of residents agreeing, this is a large increase from 46% when residents were asked the same question in 2014. See figure 45.
FIGURE 45
Future Focus Research: Vale of Glamorgan Public Opinion Survey 2016.17 44
Appendix A
Over 8 in 10 (83%) agreed with the Council’s approach of looking at services that are performing well and trying to encourage other public or private sector organisations to allow them to deliver them on their behalf. Just 1 in 8 (12%) disagreed.
Future Focus Research: Vale of Glamorgan Public Opinion Survey 2016.17 45
Appendix A
Agreement was highest for those living in the Western Vale (89%), ABs (87%) and DEs (88%), whilst agreement was lowest for those living in the East (75%), those aged 55+ (76%) and DEs (73%). See figure 46
FIGURE 46
Residents were asked to prioritise a list of methods with which the Council could address the budget shortfall from 1 to 5 (1 being the most preferred to 5 being the least preferred). Results are presented as a mean score which shows the closest the mean score is to 1 the more preferred the option was amongst residents.
Future Focus Research: Vale of Glamorgan Public Opinion Survey 2016.17 46
Appendix A
The following chart shows that the preferred option by far was to develop new services that would generate revenue (with a mean score of 1.3). The least preferred option was to provide fewer services (with a mean score of 4.3). See figure 47
FIGURE 47
There was little variation by area, age, gender or SEG.
Over 8 in 10 (84%) were supportive of the Council considering sponsorship to generate income and address the budget shortfall. Support was higher in Barry than the other two areas (87% compared to 83% and 82%), and was highest amongst 35 – 54 year olds (88%). See figure 48.
Future Focus Research: Vale of Glamorgan Public Opinion Survey 2016.17 47
Appendix A
FIGURE 48
Future Focus Research: Vale of Glamorgan Public Opinion Survey 2016.17 48