Survey has record responses in some areas
Merton council's annual residents' survey has a record number of responses from those who think it is providing good value for money.
But satisfaction with policing in the borough has dropped significantly since 2011, with 56% saying it is an area in which Merton performs well - a fall from last year's 63%.
Crime continues to be the top personal concern for residents, followed by council tax, traffic, litter and jobs.
The independent survey shows 54% - a record response - of those asked think the borough council provides good value for money, while 79% think it's well-run - however, that's 1% down on the 2011 survey.
Another all-time high is the council's recycling service, which saw a significant increase in residents' satisfaction compared with 2011 and is well above the rest of London. Merton residents also rated the borough's parks, playgrounds and open spaces highly, and better than the pan-London score.
And a high percentage of residents (74%) also said the council keeps them informed and listens, again scoring higher than the rest of London.
The survey shows the result of face-to-face interviews with 1,092 adult residents and 248 young people aged 11-17. London comparisons are based on a survey in October 2012 with 1,000 people across London.
The council feels the survey results show it is doing a good job, is efficient and well-run. Council leader Stephen Alambritis said: "It's great that our residents think Merton is doing well in so many areas.
"We're really encouraged that people are saying we offer good value for money and are doing a good job, especially in the context of the tough economic climate we are currently in and the difficult decisions we are having to make.
"The survey is important to the council as it's one way for us to hear what residents are saying about services and the borough. It is central to guiding what we do, as residents' responses help us decide where we need to work harder to make the borough better."
The full results of the survey can be found on the council's website at: www.merton.gov.uk/residentssurvey.
February 8, 2013