LESS than 40 per cent of the public are happy with communication from the council.
Figures from surveys conducted by Malvern Hills District Council show a 31 per cent drop in satisfaction levels, with a 30 per cent decrease in good relationships between staff and councillors – with only 13 per cent of staff now saying they were satisfied with members.
Concerns were raised by opposition members after the steep decline since 2011 was revealed, with Liberal Democrats leader Tom Wells calling on council leader David Hughes to shoulder the blame and slamming the figures as ‘paltry’.
He said: “As leader of the council you need to take direct responsibility to address these worrying statistics as we always pride ourselves in being a good employer and the standards we provide.
“I believe from my experience serving Malvern Hill that this council should act and listen upon the concerns expressed.”
But Coun Hughes said the council was doing everything possibly to improve the worrying numbers.
“I agree it is not a good situation but this is about all members and not just the administration and I would call on the other leaders to do their part in this,” he said.
“We all know where we can make amendments and I think it is down to us all to try and improve relationships with staff and we are indeed taking steps to make sure improvements take place.”
Chief Executive Jack Hegarty added: “Clearly the staff survey results were one of the things I picked up on when I joined the council.
“Speaking honestly, as members they [public] see you as a collective group and these figures are something we need to improve.”
