Residents who haven't yet had their say in Derbyshire County Council's annual survey are being encouraged to do it now as the deadline approaches.

There’s still time for people to take the wide-ranging survey which asks for views on the county council’s services and how its budget should be prioritised for the year ahead.

The Your Council Your Voice survey www.derbyshire.gov.uk/yourvoice2021 is an opportunity for any Derbyshire resident to tell the council what they think about the services they use, how satisfied they are with them and which ones they think are the most important and why.

The survey, which closes on Sunday 28 November, also asks residents whether the Covid-19 pandemic has changed their opinion of the council and the services it provides, and if it has had an impact on their satisfaction with the way the authority runs things.

Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: “Following the challenges of covid which have affected us all in different ways, it is really important that the council looks to the future and continues to ensure the county recovers in every way possible.

“We’re appealing to our residents to take the time to fill in the survey and help us to shape the council, the services we provide that everyone uses, and how we spend the budget for the year ahead.

“We need to know what people are thinking so that we can get it right, and make sure vital services are there to benefit people who need them most. Our aim is to give the best value for money we can, and we will listen to what is being said and use this important feedback to help us make decisions in the future.”

The survey is divided into sections and is straightforward to complete.

One of the main sections asks questions about the council’s budget, asking people to give their views on which services should be prioritised when it comes to spending for 2022-23 and which areas they think should not.

Other topics covered include asking people how satisfied they are with where they live, if they are proud of Derbyshire and if they think it is a safe place to live. Ideas for saving money and raising additional revenue are also covered, with the opportunity for participants to give suggestions.

For paper copies of the survey, ring Call Derbyshire on 01629 533190.

Those taking part will get the opportunity to enter a prize draw with one person winning £100 of shopping vouchers.

The county council say its Cabinet will consider survey responses relating to the budget, along with budget proposals, at a meeting in early 2022. 

A spokesperson also said that survey responses relating to non-budget issues will be used to 'help shape and improve council services in the year ahead'. 

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