North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor has issued a massive “thank you” to everyone who took time out over the summer to join in the council’s ‘Big Community Conversation’.
Eight weeks ago the engagement team – in their very recognisable pink tee-shirts – took the council’s commitment to listen to its residents out and about across the borough.
Since then, more than 1,100 people have taken part in the ‘Big Community Conversation’.
And over 750 people completed the questionnaires that captured their thoughts on the things most important to them, their families and the wider borough.
The ‘Big Community Conversation’ built on the success of last year’s out and about engagement programme when 600 questionnaires were completed. The team visited events, town centres, the beach and parks, to give as many people as possible the opportunity to have their say.
The feedback provides an insight into what is important to people who live in North Tyneside. It will be used to help the council develop its future Council Plan priorities, which sets the policy direction for the organisation.
This in turn helps shape the budget plans the council will develop to help it create a brighter future for residents and the borough, while also meeting the challenges the council faces.
The feedback is being analysed in details, but some key findings have been identified:
- Employment is the focus of participants’ aspirations for themselves, their families and the borough.
- Housing is another frequently mentioned and constant theme.
- Health, combined with happiness, is a key personal aspiration and is also something participants hope for their families, but is not one of their main aspirations for the borough.
- In addition to wanting to achieve economic prosperity and a decent standard of living, people have a desire for stability and a sense of belonging, both within family networks and as part of the wider community.
Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn said: “I’d like say a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to answer the questions posed by our engagement team over the summer.
“It’s important for us as a council to listen to our residents so that we can understand what is important to them and their families, and their priorities for the borough.
“This feedback is an essential part of our considerations for the refresh of our Council Plan priorities and the development of our budget proposals.
“I made a commitment to listen to our residents and the ‘Big Community Conversation’ is one of the ways that people can to speak to council officers, the members of the cabinet and myself directly.”
All those who completed questionnaires were entered into a prize draw to win two £50 shopping vouchers, sponsored by Cofely, the council’s business partner that deliver a range of services on the council’s behalf, including customer services. The winners of the draw have now been notified.