Council chief clashes with MP

A WARRINGTON MP and the leader of the borough council have clashed over allegations that the authority has been “wasting money” on surveys.
Warrington North MP Helen Jones says the council should review the costs it incurred on the distribution of 7,225 copies of its “Listening to Your Views” questionnaire.
She said: “There must be savings to be made. I know this work had to be undertaken, as the Audit Commission requires, but the cost seems to be quite exorbitant.
“I conduct questionnaire work in the constituency and the costs are only a small fraction of what the council has paid.
“I understand that 1,444 returns were received which works out at around £11.50 per return.”
The MP said that savings should be made and suggested a review of the design and costs of the surveys.
She said: “The council frequently says it has not enough money to clear up litter, repair streets or replace lighting. It should therefore ensure that it is not wasting money on these surveys.”
But council leader Ian Marks (pictured) hit back.
He said: “I am amazed that the MP has not checked her facts. The design, content and structure of this survey were laid down precisely by the Government of which I understand she is now a member. Even if we had wanted to shorten the questionnaire or cut back on the number of pages, her Government would not have allowed us to do so. It forms part of the national ‘Place Survey’.
“We took all prudent steps to keep the costs down by sharing in a consortium with other local authorities. Together we chose the most cost effective survey company to enable us to obtain the necessary response rate to meet the Government’s requirement. I am pleased to say the feedback we obtained was very valuable and will help us make sure we are on target in delivering the services our residents want.
“Yet again it is the MP who is off target in her criticisms. She should address her concerns about the costs of this survey to her own Government and ask them for ways of making it cheaper.”