The results of the Place Survey 2008 were released by DCLG on 23rd June 2009.
This is a national survey administered by local authorities. It aims to collect consistent national data on the way people feel about their local area and the way in which their local authority is run. Many of the results are relevant to ongoing research here at the Observatory.
We can use the results of the Place Survey to compare the West Midlands region as a whole to other English regions, and to compare local authorities within the West Midlands to one another.
Headline findings
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The proportion of residents satisfied with theatres and concert halls is the most variable indicator across the West Midlands, ranging from 76.4% in Malvern Hills to a low of 18.0% in North Warwickshire.
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The West Midlands' overall ranking fluctuates, but there is no measure for which the West Midlands is placed ‘first’.
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We have the lowest levels of public satisfaction with sport and leisure facilities.
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There seems to be an urban/rural split in the answers to the questions relating to ‘unpaid help’, which measures volunteering.
Place Survey results in a map
You can view the results of the Place Survey in this interactive map. This enables you to make graphical comparisons between different local authorities within the West Midlands.
Presentation
We’ve also prepared these charts and maps (PDF, 1.52mb) which use a common scale to compare the West Midlands with other English regions.
Dataset
Here is the source data for the English regions and West Midlands local authorities (XLS, 51kb).
The results of the Place Survey highlight some interesting differences within the region, some of which may be suitable subjects for further research.