Focus Groups

Consulting local people.

Communications

Every year the Council reviews some of the services it provides to make sure it is providing the services that local people want and providing good value for money.

The Council also consults people about changes to services and policies and the introduction of new ones.

One method of consulting people that is used is focus groups.  These are meetings of 8 - 12 people which last about one and a half to two hours.

People's views on a topic are recorded and this is used to help improve the service or policy.

A small amount of money is paid to those taking part.  This can help with travel or childcare costs and is to prevent people from being excluded from taking part.

Examples of the Council using focus groups include the work done before introducing the garden waste collection service and before the new customer service centre opened.

If you are interested in taking part in the Council's consultation programme or would like more information contact the Communications Unit.