Late last year the polling company Ipsos MORI carried out a survey of more than 1,200 residents on our behalf. The results of this ‘Place Survey’ reveal that local people are very positive about life in Havering.

They approve of the work the Council has been doing to improve our parks, make rubbish collections more efficient and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in partnership with the police and other local groups. Satisfaction with these and other major Council services has risen and, overall, more people are happy with life in the borough than two years ago, when a similar survey was undertaken.

So we were surprised to find that the same survey suggested that overall satisfaction with the Council is quite low. This picture is repeated across the country and many councils are asking themselves why this is the case.

In Havering, we would much rather ask you. We want to know what more we can do for you and how else we can meet your expectations for the borough.

That is why we are launching Let’s Talk, a new effort to listen to local people and encourage more residents to pass their views to us. In return we will tell you how your comments have been turned into action and give you a clearer understanding of what you get in return for your council tax.

So please come to one of the many events that will be taking place across the borough, visit our website, or drop us a line. This is your borough and we want to work with you to make it the best place to live in London.

Michael