Residents are being invited to have their say on services provided by Essex County Council through the annual resident survey.

Undertaken by Qa Research, an independent research and analysis company, the survey has been sent out to 15,000 households across the county, selected at random in order to provide a cross section that is representative of the Essex population.

Covering areas such as public services, transport and community safety, those who have received the survey have until September 7 to respond.

Cllr David Finch, Leader of Essex County Council said: “This is just one the ways that we engage with people who use our services, and is important as it gives us the opportunity to take stock of views and ensure we are putting our resources where it really matters.

"We can also use the results of this survey to track performance and monitor the impact of the decisions we make meaning we can respond quickly to what residents tell us.

“We have spoken a lot about the tough times ahead and the challenges we face as an organisation, and so it is more important than ever that we understand the issues and priorities of residents.

“The survey takes around ten minutes to complete and I would urge anyone who has received one to complete and return it as soon you can.”

Surveys can be returned in the Freepost envelope provided, or can be completed online via the web link on the accompanying letter.

Anyone who needs help in completing it should contact Qa Research’s confidential freephone helpline on 0800 980 9030 on weekdays between 10am and 2pm or email EssexSurvey@qaresearch.co.uk.