A NEW citizens' panel to pass verdict on council services could be set up.

And thousands more residents are to be asked for their views as town hall bosses try to discover what people's priorities are.

The local authority has conducted postal surveys since 1994, but worries that the poor response - only 20 per cent - does not give accurate results.

Now the council is increasing the size of its annual survey from 2,000 to 5,000 people. They are chosen at random from the electoral register and sent questionnaires and pre-paid reply envelopes.

More council staff will also be asked for their opinions, and focus group meetings with local businesses and voluntary groups are to be re-introduced.

Officers think that the next logical step is to set up a citizens' panel.

A report is being prepared for councillors on the matter which will outline the costs and the method for seeking volunteers.

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