A STAGGERING 62 per cent of residents say Barnet Council fails to involve them when making decisions, according to a recent report.

The percentage has been highlighted in this year’s residents’ perception survey which collates views on the borough, the council and specific public services.

The council commissioned SMSR, an independent market research company, to carry out the survey which reveals 52 per cent of residents would like to be more involved in decisions affecting their local area.

Barnet also falls significantly below the capital’s average in terms of listening to concerns of local residents and making the area a better place to live.

The most highly rated services provided by the council were refuse collection - 81 per cent of residents said they were satisfied with the service - street lighting, and recycling facilities.

The services with the lowest satisfaction rating were road repairs, parking services and the quality of pavements.

Nearly three quarters of people agree Barnet is doing a “good job” but just over half are satisfied with the way the council is run.

Leader of the council, Councillor Richard Cornelius, admitted the survey demonstrates the council has to concentrate on getting the basics right, but said there are many areas where it is doing just that.

He added: “We also need to make some pretty important decisions about the future of Barnet. How we cope with the pressure for places in our successful schools will clearly be a key challenge for the council over the coming decade."

Overall 86 per cent of respondents are satisfied with the borough as a place to live, with 72 per cent feeling a strong sense of belonging.

The full survey can be viewed via: http://engage.barnet.gov.uk