Feb2009–Strong support for three unitaries in Suffolk local government poll
In ORB's recent survey of Suffolk residents a majority preference (60%) for local government to be structured into three unitary authorities was found. Among those respondents who expressed a preference* a three authority option - "Ipswich, the East and West" was favoured.
The survey was commissioned by Forest Health District Council, St Edmundsbury Borough Council and Waveney District Council as part of their response to a county-wide Local Government Review in Suffolk. The review being undertaken by the Boundary Committee is looking at a reorganisation which will see Suffolk move from its current arrangements (of district/borough councils and a County Council) to a 'simplified' unitary authority basis.
In the ORB poll six in ten respondents (60%) who expressed a preference (47% of all respondents) said that they preferred the option for three unitary authorities, compared to 25% supporting the “One Suffolk” single authority option (20% of all respondents) and 15% for the “Ipswich and Rural” two authority option (12% of all respondents).
In addition, nearly nine out of ten residents (86%)** who expressed an opinion (76% of all respondents) agreed with the suggestion that the 'three unitary proposals' should be included in the Boundary Committee’s consultation.
ORB completed telephone interviews between 13 and 24th January 2009. In total 804 people aged 18+ gave their opinions with interviews spread proportionately across the seven borough/district councils of Suffolk.
*Figures based on the 631 who expressed a preference for one of the three options presented to them. 173 answered "Don't Know", thought that things should remain as they are, said they needed more information or “were not interested'
**Of the 804 people questioned 717 offered an opinion on whether the three unitaries option should be included in the Review. Of these 86% said that they agreed that this option should be part of the consultation process.
Website tables v2.pdf
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