Survey Finds ‘Higher Than Average’ Satisfaction Levels in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

A recent independent survey of residents in Newry, Mourne and Down District has found high levels of satisfaction in how the Council runs and operates its services.

The survey is the first large scale survey of residents to have taken place since the merger of Down District Council and Newry and Mourne District Council in 2015.

It was commissioned by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and carried out by an independent company, Social Market Research (SMR).

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council sought to gather baseline information on residents’ views and opinions following the first full term of office of the new Council. The information will assist Council with future planning and decision making.

The high levels of satisfaction with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council overall represents a significantly higher rate than the average for Councils in Great Britain.

A majority of residents surveyed also reported that they have a positive perception of the Council across key indicators such as trust, leadership and treating people fairly.

The results from the survey highlight:

• 87% of residents are satisfied with the Council overall
• 75% agree that the Council helps to make Newry, Mourne and Down a good place to live with 19% neither agreeing nor disagreeing
• 96% of residents had used at least one Council service in the last 12 months
• 94% of residents feel safe in their local area during the day
• 73% of residents trust the Council with 18% neither agreeing nor disagreeing and
• 73% of residents who had contacted the Council in the last 12 months rated their most recent contact as either ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ with a further 21% rating it as ‘fair’.

Responding to the survey results, Chief Executive of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Liam Hannaway said, “I am pleased to welcome the results from the first large-scale residents’ survey that Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has commissioned since its creation, which show significantly high levels of satisfaction with the Council overall.

“The results provide us with insight into what the residents of Newry, Mourne and Down wish to see in their area. For example, 74% of residents noted that they would like to see more local services to improve mental health and wellbeing and this can aid future planning and decision making.

“The results place us on a positive footing and provide a baseline that will help us as a Council to move forward and plan ahead”.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin, welcomed the findings of the survey, saying, “I would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete this survey.  As a civic leader it is important that we listen to all feedback, both positive and negative as this enables us to continue to develop services which meet the current needs and future aspirations of all our citizens.  I am delighted to see that such a high proportion of residents feel safe in our community and believe the Council helps to make Newry, Mourne and Down a good place in which to live".