West Sussex residents suggest priorities

More than 1,500 people took part, and findings were disclosed at a meeting of the county cabinet when council leader, Louise Goldsmith, stressed that it was only a “toe in the water” and not scientific.

“It is to give a feel of what people are thinking, and the way they are thinking,” she added. “The survey was a really useful piece of work.”

Cabinet members heard that the 1,500 total was 300 more than a similar survey last year.

Head of insight Mel Stevens said the three top priorities selected for spending were road maintenance, followed by care for the elderly and the environment.

However, when asked to comment separately on spending levels, some people expressed surprise at how much was actually spent on care for the elderly.