We have received our first report from the Citizens’ Panel. 1,021 people were interviewed in October. The people were chosen to be representative of East Cambs’ population from aged 16 upwards. They have agreed to answer future questionnaires so that we can gauge how well we are performing year on year.

Two thirds were satisfied with Council Services and less than one tenth dissatisfied. Two in five felt that the Council gave value for money while one in six felt we did not. Less than half thought the Council kept them well informed, so I hope that the new District newspaper will improve on this. Another way in which I see the Council improving communications is by using the Internet and e-mail. For those of us in the villages, it would be a lot easier to view a planning application on our PCs than have to go in to Ely to see it at the Council offices. So I was encouraged to see that over a quarter of the panel uses the Internet and e-mail. Only about one in six people were able to name their District Councillor, so we clearly have a lot more work to do there if we are to truly represent you on your Council. Only about a quarter of the panel had contacted the Council in the last year but of those over two thirds were satisfied with the response. The three highest priorities for improving the quality of life in East Cambs are better local public transport and more activities and facilities for young people. The need for better public transport was underlined by the low car usage in the 16-24 and 60+ age range. We shall be seeking to build on our partnerships with the County Council and Parish Councils to address these concerns.

The District Council published its first newspaper for residents in December and will publish the next one in March/April. As well as the standard newspaper there is also a newspaper available on tape. If you know of someone who would like the tape version, or if you would find it useful, please let me know and I will arrange for you to be sent the tape for this and future editions.