News Release : 23 April 2004

SOUTH EAST RESIDENTS ARE CONTENT, DESPITE HOUSING AND TRANSPORT PROBLEMS

NINE OUT OF TEN RESIDENTS ARE SATISFIED WITH THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE South East, according to a new survey; 40% rate it as ‘very good’, and 50% as ‘fairly good’. However affordable housing, traffic congestion and the quality of public transport are the top priorities for improvement in the region.

The South East England Regional Assembly commissioned MORI to carry out an opinion survey as part of the preparation of the South East Plan, the region’s new 20-year planning vision. MORI interviewed over 1,800 residents from across the South East about perceptions of their local area, the region and specific issues such as housing, transport and employment.

Key findings on housing:

• 66% of the respondents believe that the cost of housing is a serious problem.
• Over 70% of those polled want 2-3 storey terraces homes, town houses, detached or semi-detached homes.
• Seven out of ten people are concerned that infrastructure such as transport, schools and community services to support housing growth is inadequate in the region.

Findings on transport:

• Traffic congestion is a serious problem for 45% of people.
• 50% say improvements to bus and rail services are key priorities.
• Respondents are concerned that congestion will get worse with more development. Despite this, 65% of those polled oppose the introduction of a congestion charge.

Other findings:

• Crime and vandalism were mentioned as a priority to address by 46% of the respondents.
• 35% of the respondents said that opportunities and facilities for young people should be a priority.

The first stage of opinion surveys for the South East Plan was completed at the end of March. The research report is available on the South East Plan website. The next two stages of the opinion research will take place between April and June 2004, and in early 2005.

Contact

Lesley van Dijk, PR Executive - 01483 555223

Alex Butlin, PR Executive - 01483 555221

Notes to editors:

1. The MORI survey ‘Evaluation of Residents’ Attitudes Towards the Region’, Stage 1, was carried out between January and March 2004. This was the first poll which is part of a rolling research programme for the preparation of the South East Plan.
2. The South East Plan, a 20-year vision for the region, will be a document setting regional priorities and guiding the production of local plans and strategies on critical issues affecting all of us, such as housing, transport, waste and development. It will also help share best practice between different areas of the region that face similar problems and cover the period to 2026. The Plan will impact on the whole South East, which covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire and Surrey.
3. The new planning system will replace the present system of structure plans and local plans, the South East Plan together with local development frameworks will in future make up the statutory development plan for each area.
4. The Assembly is the “voluntary regional chamber” for the South East. It was established in January 1999 to give a representative voice to the South East region which covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, and Surrey.
5. The Regional Assembly is made up of 111 members including elected councillors nominated by the region’s local authorities and 37 representatives from other sectors of the community (including business, trades unions, education, housing, health, sports, culture, tourism, faith groups, environmental, community and voluntary organisations).
6. The Assembly has three areas of core business:
1. It is the representative voice of the South East, engaging and representing its member organisations and, through them, the wider public.
2. The Assembly has a specific role under the Regional Development Agencies' Act 1998 to ensure the accountability of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to the region.
3. The Assembly has been the Regional Planning Body for the South East since April 2001. It has responsibility for proposing strategic planning and transport policies to Government.

Last updated: 21 August 2007