Archived decisions

RESULTS OF PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY 2006

1. The Authority has received the results of its three-yearly public satisfaction survey. Whilst this survey is currently a statutory requirement, the opportunity is also taken to seek the public's views on a range of other issues. A questionnaire was sent to a random sample of 3,500 households in Hampshire during September 2006 and a 40% response rate was received. The results give a useful insight into the levels of awareness and understanding in the Service's local communities. In summary, some of the key findings were:

· 62% of people report they are satisfied with the way things are run. Only 1% are dissatisfied.


· 66% of people are satisfied with the Service provided. Only 1% are dissatisfied.


· Many people report that they do not feel well informed about what the Service spends its money on, whether it is delivering on its promises or how well it is performing.


· The majority of people have positive perceptions of the Service.


· 57% of people would like to access information about Service through local newspapers, others via e-mail/letters, the HFRS website or leaflets.


· 70% of people can recall having seen or heard a fire safety message in the past twelve months. Of the respondents, 71% saw the message on the television.


· The most common messages which people recalled were about smoke alarms/detectors, firework safety and smoking.


· Almost 100% understood the message and 99% understood what they had to do to improve their safety from fire.


· 95% of people (2003 - 90%) have at least one smoke alarm in their home. 45% of people (2003 - 58%) test their smoke alarms at least once a month, but 6% report that they test their smoke alarms less than once a year or that they never test them.

2. The Service is currently reviewing the results of the public opinion survey in detail and will incorporate any areas for improvement and development into appropriate strategies and plans.

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M.F. CARTWRIGHT
Chairman