Let's Talk results

We asked:

For your views on our Revised Air Quality Action Plan, which sets out a range of actions that could be taken to continue improving air quality in the district over the next five years. This also proposes that two Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) no longer need this designation following improved air quality in those locations.

You said:

• The survey received 219 responses from a range of different individuals and groups, some of which told us that their response represented a number of people. The views of 6,695 people were recorded as part of this survey.
• Almost half of respondents (45%) told us they were 'extremely concerned' about the air quality in the district.
• The majority of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed with the proposal to continue with a range of existing actions to improve air quality in the district.
• The majority of people agreed or strongly agreed with the ideas to introduce anti-idling campaigns and an e-bike and a pilot pool car fleet for council staff work-related journeys, should additional funding be secured. The majority were neutral about a review of on-street parking arrangements in Midhurst or a low traffic neighbourhood type approach.
• 46% of respondents strongly agreed that new actions to help tackle issues relating to microscopic particles in the air should be included within the plan.
• The majority strongly disagreed with the proposal to remove the Stockbridge A27 and Orchard Street AQMAs (28%), with comments expressing that people would like to see these areas continue to be monitored. The remainder of response options received — strongly agreed, agreed, neutral, and disagreed — were evenly split.
• Most respondents strongly agreed (48%) or agreed (36%) with the proposal to continue monitoring AQMAs at St Pancras and Rumbolds Hill.

We did:

Following your feedback, the council's Cabinet has approved the revised Air Quality Action Plan for adoption.

As a local authority, we monitor and assess air quality in our district as part of the Government's Local Air Quality Management regime. Under the guidelines of this scheme, the Air Quality Management Area designations at Stockbridge and Orchard Street will be revoked following improved air quality in these areas. However, air quality in these areas will continue to be monitored.

A number of people asked for air pollution to be monitored at the southern end of St Pauls Road. As such a nitrogen dioxide monitoring site has been set up.

We are currently waiting for the Government to issue a new standard relating to acceptable levels of particulates in the air. Once these standards have been published, we will review these carefully and will update the action plan, if appropriate.

Enhancing air quality in the district is a key priority for the council, and our Air Quality Action Plan is just one of the steps we are taking to help protect our district's environment. Air quality is a complex issue and one that we cannot tackle alone. We will be working with partner organisations, such as West Sussex County Council, and will continue to encourage people to help reduce air pollution in their everyday lives.

The plan includes a number of different actions that aim to improve air quality in our district until 2026. View the plan at Air quality.

We asked:

For your views on our draft Climate Emergency Detailed Action plan, which outlines how we, as a council, will continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the work we do and how we can bring individuals and organisations together to help reduce their emissions too.

You said:

• The survey received 200 responses, from individual residents, community groups, parish councils, businesses and organisations.
• 90% of respondents said they were extremely or very concerned about climate change.
• Of the ways in which we normally engage with people, 'initiatives' magazine was the most popular, followed by local media outlets and Facebook.
• When asked about new ways to engage with people specifically about climate change, most respondents supported our proposal to work with community groups and other organisations such as businesses to progress greenhouse gas mitigation projects.
• Most respondents supported the council's plan to reduce its own emissions but many felt that the council could do more.

We did:

In direct response to your feedback, we will be consulting with you on a regular basis to involve people in our work over the coming months and incorporating people's views in council decisions.

Lots of people wanted the council to do more, and so a Climate Emergency Officer Group will be introduced to co-ordinate actions to reduce emissions in both the council's operations and across the district.

Your views on the best way to engage with people will form a big part of a new campaign that we will be working on later this year. This will focus on the ways we can all play our part by making changes to our homes, workplaces, and other aspects of our lives. You can find the latest information and updates at .

We asked:

For your views on the Chichester City Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan, which identifies s a number of new and improved walking and cycling routes in Chichester City centre and the surrounding area. The survey was live from 18 September to 19 October 2020.

We are one of a partnership of local authorities delivering Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans across West Sussex. Over the last year, our officers have been working hard with external consultants to develop a plan that, once adopted, will inform both the Local Plan Review and future investment decision-making by the agencies responsible for planning, roads and pathways. The Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan is intended as a ten year plan.

You said:

• 240 responses were received for the survey, reflecting the views of individuals, organisations and businesses, parish councils and community groups. In total, 3,112 views were recorded in this consultation.
• Respondents told us how they currently travel into and within Chichester City centre. The most popular response was by car or van but many respondents said that they walk or cycle.
• The three most popular reasons why respondents travelled into Chichester city centre were for shopping, leisure, and work.
• Most respondents strongly agreed with the proposed benefits of increased cycling and walking in the area.
• More than half of respondents felt that the money currently spent on walking and cycling infrastructure by authorities responsible for this, was too little.

Walking

• When asked how often they walk into and around Chichester City, most respondents said they walked most days or once or twice a month. Many respondents said they walk once or twice a week.
• 31% of respondents said they were dissatisfied with the current walking network. The main issue that prevented respondents from walking or cycling more frequently in the area was the busy roads. Other top responses included the quality of the physical environment and difficult junctions.
• Respondents were asked to what extent they thought a variety of improvements would encourage them to walk more often in the area, and the majority either agreed or strongly agreed with all the statements.

Cycling

• Most respondents said that they never cycle however; many respondents said they cycle once or twice a week and some said they cycle most days.
• 42.9% said they were dissatisfied and 31.2% said they were very dissatisfied with the current cycling network. Busy roads and difficult junctions were given as the main issues that prevented respondents from cycling or cycling more frequently in the area. Other top responses included a lack of segregated cycle routes and the quality of the physical environment.
• Respondents were asked to what extent they thought a variety of improvements would encourage them to cycle more often in the area and the majority either agreed or strongly agreed with all the statements.

We did:

The council is working with its consultant to update the plan in response to your feedback and to include new cycling related guidance that has since been published. Once updated, the draft plan will be presented to our councillors for their approval, and following this we will continue to link this with the Local Plan Review and work with West Sussex County Council to develop the schemes. Once the schemes are fully developed, this will help inform future investment decision making by the authorities responsible for this. You can view the plan at .

We asked:

What you thought of the proposed continuation of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) which sets out the rules for dogs in the district's public spaces.

You said:

• 407 responses were received for the survey, representing the views of 842 individuals, during the consultation period — 17 July to 14 August 2020.
• The majority of respondents (97.2%) supported the proposals relating to the rules around dog fouling in public spaces.
• Most respondents (91.5%) agreed that the requirement for dogs to be put on a lead when directed by an authorised officer should continue.
• The majority of respondents agreed with the proposals to continue all year round dog exclusion rules in: Priory Park (70.7%), Bishops Palace Gardens (81.7%), and fenced children's play areas (97.6%).
• Most respondents (59.8%) said they supported the removal of the exclusion zone at East Wittering beach.
• The majority of respondents (59.4%) agreed with the proposal to remove the exclusion zone at Bracklesham beach.
• The majority (73.8%) agreed that the exclusion zone on Selsey beach during part of the year should be continued.
• In our open comments section, some of you proposed an area for inclusion in, or an amendment to, the PSPO, others highlighted dog fouling as an issue or identified a dog fouling hotspot to us, and others mentioned the need for enforcement of the PSPO.

We did:

Following your feedback, the council has amended and renewed the PSPO around dog control rules in public spaces, and you can find out more about the approved order on our dog advice and information page.

The PSPO can be enforced by the council's Environmental Protection Officers and members of the Foreshores team, as well as the Litter Enforcement Officers that work across our district to help keep the area litter free.

Any litter hotpots were reported to our waste collection team and the Litter Enforcement Officers to investigate.

We Asked:

A dedicated Events Officer was appointed to help create a strategy for the council which aims to set out what sort of events will bring out the best of Chichester District. We asked you what type of events you would like to see across the district to help us create this new events strategy.

You Said:

• 296 responses were received to the online survey between 27 May and 29 July 2019. 22 respondents said their response represents more than one person, so if we take these numbers into account the views of 1,613 individuals were recorded in this consultation
• The events respondents most often attended were markets and film events e.g. open air cinema etc.
• The main reasons for respondents not attending events in the Chichester District were being unaware of what's on and not being interested in the types of events held here
• Most respondents usually hear about events via social media or from friends and family
• 62.8% of respondents feel there are not enough events in the Chichester District and only 0.7% (2) said there are too many events
• 'Music' and 'food and drink' were the two most popular types of events that respondents would like to see more of
• 77.2% would like to see more events in parks and green spaces, specifically Priory Park and Oaklands Park
• 76.2% would like to see more events in city and town centres, particularly Chichester and Midhurst
• Low cost events would encourage respondents to attend more, as well as family friendly activities and interesting themes / subjects
• Almost half would like to see more markets across the district, specifically food and drink markets and craft markets.

We Did:

The feedback is being used to help form the Events Strategy, which aims to establish a year-round programme of events that meets the needs of the district's communities. We want to promote Chichester District to raise the profile of the area and positively contribute to the local economy and cultural experience. We are grateful for your feedback which is helping us create an Events Strategy to highlight Chichester as a destination experience in line with council priorities and visions.

We asked:

About your priorities and views about housing in the Chichester District to help us create a new Housing Strategy.

You said:

• There were a few common comments throughout the consultation: 'affordable housing is not affordable to those on a lower income,' 'appropriate infrastructure needs to be in place for any new building,' 'social housing should go to those who need it,' and 'landlords and their properties should be subject to regular checks'

• Most respondents were keen to have more affordable homes to buy and to rent - they felt these properties are sorely needed to allow younger people to stay in / move to Chichester District which will help diversify the local workforce

• The majority of respondents felt that homeless households should be given top priority on the housing register

• Respondents felt that renting privately (and the up front costs associated with this) and a lack of available social housing were the two main contributing factors to homelessness in Chichester District - there were also comments about how easy it is to fall into debt, the inefficiencies of the benefits system and a lack of jobs in the area

• 7 in 10 respondents believe the council should provide financial help to the most vulnerable households to  make sure their houses are free from serious hazards to their health and safety

• 7 in 10 respondents support community led housing.

We did:

Housing Services are using the feedback from residents, businesses and stakeholders across the district to help inform the development of our new Housing  Strategy. This strategy will show how we will use our resources to best meet the housing needs of local people, as well as facilitating economic growth and providing sustainability to our local communities.

To find out more, visit our Housing strategies and studies web page.

We asked:

We asked Chichester businesses about their experience of doing business in Chichester and what they would ideally expect to see in terms of Business Support.

You said:

• 154 responses were received to the online survey
• Respondents feel that availability of good quality space is important to the success of their business growth
• Increasing costs, generally and specifically in relation to business premises, was a common concern, with Brexit as an additional point of financial uncertainty
• Many respondents felt that there is a need for a more linked up journey between different departments at the council

• When asked whether they felt Brexit would affect their business there was a mixed response with high levels of uncertainty (34%). Almost 2 in 5 felt they would be affected and 27.5% felt they would not

We did:

Our Economic Development team are using the feedback from businesses across the district to help inform the updating of our Economic Development Strategy. This strategy will set out how we can best create an environment for businesses to thrive in the Chichester District.

To find out more, visit our Business advice and support web page.

We asked:

What you think about initiatives magazine, how we can improve it and how you use it.

You said:

• 140 responses were received, an increase of 50.5% from a similar survey in 2015

• 82% of respondents read every issue of initiatives and 91.5% feel it is informative

• Many feel the magazine is effective and valuable in its current form but there were several suggestions as to how the magazine could be improved

• 76.3% of respondents use initiatives magazine to find news from Chichester District Council

• Some respondents felt there should be a telephone number to call for each section, because signposting to the website for more information can be isolating for those without internet access

We did:

We are taking into account all comments and suggestions for improvement. We want to make sure initiatives magazine is valuable for everyone, whether you have access to the internet or not.

You can find out more about initiatives magazine by visiting our initiatives magazine web page..

We asked:

What you thought of the changes we suggested about the Council Tax Reduction scheme for the following financial year - 2019/20

You said:

• 107 responses were received over the 8 week consultation period
• Most respondents (7 in 10) pay council tax to Chichester District Council but do not receive council tax reduction.

• 86.9% of respondents agree that council tax reduction and Housing Benefit claims should start on the same day

• 3 quarters of respondents agree that the existing banded scheme should be expanded to include all working age claims

• Over 4 in 5 respondents said they would support not changing Council Tax Reduction entitlement if a claimant's income increases or decreases by a small amount

There were high levels of uncertainty around most questions. This is likely due to the complex nature of the subject of this consultation.

We did:

We changed some parts of the Council Tax Reduction scheme for 2019/20. But the questions we asked about the future of the scheme (beyond 2019/20) were not clear enough. So we did not introduce these changes but instead decided to ask your opinions again, closer to the time. Making sure we explain clearly and include enough detail so you understand what we're suggesting and can feel confident giving your views.

You can find out more about our current Council Tax Reduction scheme by visiting our Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction web page.

We asked:

You to tell us about your experience with our Community Wardens

You said:

• 182 people shared their views on our Community Warden service and 78.1% felt that the wardens' presence had made a positive impact in their area.
• At least 7 in 10 respondents said they always find the Community Wardens to be helpful, friendly, approachable and courteous.
• Most choose to contact a warden because other services or agencies (e.g. the police) are not readily available and aren't always the most appropriate to contact about low level matters such as minor anti-social behaviour.
• Most respondents (67.8%) feel the wardens should be awarded more powers. The most popular were dog fouling (96.6%) and litter enforcement (94.9%).

We did:

We appreciated your feedback and kind words about our Community Wardens and the work they do in the area. After looking through the positive responses we agreed that the Community Wardens play a very important role in their communities and we renewed the service for another 3 years.

You can find out more about our Community Wardens by visiting their page on our website: Community Wardens webpage

We asked:

What you thought of the masterplan for the Southern Gateway area and what it proposed

You said:

• 350 people shared their views on the Southern Gateway masterplan.
• There were a significant number of comments suggesting a bridge over the railway and the alternative 'Freeflow' masterplan may have had an influence on the volume of these comments.
• 88.2% agreed that the Southern Gateway area could be improved.
• Level crossings, traffic, community buildings and cycle routes were common themes throughout the consultation.
• 54.7% of respondents support the masterplan in principle.

We did:

We listened to your views, including those about alternative solutions to the level crossings, but we could only include options that we know we can follow through with in the masterplan. What's in the masterplan was based on evidence from studies that were done by experts. The masterplan was debated and approved in November 2017.

You can find out more about the Southern Gateway masterplan and the regeneration of the area by visiting our Southern Gateway web page

We asked:

What you thought of the changes we proposed to the Council Tax Reduction scheme for the following financial year - 2018/19

You said:

• The annual survey about proposed changes to the Council Tax Reduction (CTR) scheme received 71 responses.
• A banded scheme was proposed which would take into account the number of people (including children) living in a property as well as their income and calculate a percentage reduction for their council tax. Overall, the banded scheme was preferred by respondents.
• If the banded scheme were to be adopted there is a risk that the scheme will not protect those in vulnerable circumstances. A solution to this could be to set up a discretionary hardship fund which is more flexible to those in difficult circumstances. 8 in 10 agreed that the hardship fund was a good idea.

We did:

We took your views into account and the banded scheme was approved by our councillors in November 2017.

To find out more about the current Council Tax Reduction scheme please visit our Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction web page.