The National Indicator Set launched by the government in April 2008 contains 25 indicators which are informed by citizens' views and perspectives. In order to minimise the number of surveys that local authorities need to undertake, 18 of these indicators are collected through a single Place Survey administered by, or on behalf of, each local authority. The Survey takes place every two years.
The Place Survey has been developed by the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG). The development process included work with a reference group drawn from Government departments, local agencies, the Local Government Association and the Audit Commission. In addition, CLG carried out a consultation on the Survey between December 2007 and February 2008. The Survey has been subject to extensive piloting and cognitive testing with focus groups, as well as to a post-implementation statistical review.
Results from the Autumn 2008 Place Survey
CLG published a report (external link) comprising results for all the national indicators and a small number of further statistics on 23rd June 2009. Further results (external link) were published on 23rd September.
The Audit Commission's role
In the first, 2008/09 round of the Place Survey, the Audit Commission was asked by CLG to provide support and advice to local authorities in carrying out the Survey. Its role was very similar to the one it had with respect to the Best Value Surveys in 2006/07:
- We provided advice on interpretation of the Survey Manual, liaising with CLG to obtain clarification and/or approval where necessary.
- We managed the provision of random samples of local addresses to authorities via the Place Survey Website.
- We managed the collection and weighting of the Survey data.
- On the other hand, CLG undertook the calculation of results and reporting of them via its website.
Access to supporting information and news
The Audit Commission provides detailed updates on the Place Survey through emails to local authority primary contacts. In the interests of maintaining clear lines of communication with local authorities and ensuring each survey is co-ordinated from one central point, we maintain only a single primary contact in each authority. We are happy to add other stakeholders to our mailing list - please see further below on how to contact us.
Please note that the Place Survey website, which served to support local authorities and social research agencies during the implementation phase of the 2008 Survey, is now offline.
Obtaining answers to specific questions
As explained above, the Audit Commission has not been party to the calculation or release of the Place Survey scores. Therefore, we are unable to give advice in respect of the methodology or weights underlying the production of the final results. We advise you to contact CLG with queries of this nature: contactus@communities.gov.uk.
If you have a query about the definition of any of the 18 national indicators drawn from the Place Survey, please feel free to contact us using our enquiry form. We generally respond to queries about the Place Survey within one working day.