Bedford Borough Council is committed to ensuring that its services, including Council meetings, are available to everyone in the community. To enable us to assess whether this is the case and any action we need to take to improve access to meetings we would be grateful if you would spare a few minutes of your time to complete this simple survey and return it to Bedford Borough Council, Freepost ANG5840, Town Hall, St Paul’s Square, Bedford MK40 1ZD. The questionnaire can be provided in another language or format on request. Please email consultingbedford@bedford.gov.uk
Are you aware that you are able to attend, and in some circumstances take part in, Council meetings?   Yes   No		Have you attended a Council meeting within the last five years   Yes   No

How did you find out about your right to attend Council meetings?   Bedford News   From a Council Officer Council website   From a friend/colleague From a Councillor   Other Please state 'other' Which meeting(s) did you attend?   Full Council   Scrutiny or a PRD Committee Executive   Licensing Planning   Other Please specify 'other'

How did you participate in the meeting?   Member of the audience   Spoke on a planning or licensing application Asked a question   Presented a petition How did you find the experience of attending the meeting?

Do you feel there is enough information about your rights to attend/participate in meetings?   yes   No What can we do to improve? Why would you be likely to attend a Council meeting?   Personal interest   Would never attend General interest   Council meetings are normally held at 6.30pm. What changes listed below would make it more likely for you to attend these meetings?   Taking place in the mornings   Better access to meetings via public taking place in the afternoon   Nothing taking place at a venue closer to where you live   Other Please state 'other'

Would you expect to be made to feel welcome at a Council meeting?   Yes   Don't know No   Why do you think this is the case?   Difficulty with language   Formality of meeting Disability   Other Please state 'other' What could we do to make it easier or more welcoming for you to attend meetings

Do you consider yourself to be a disabled person?   Yes   No To which of the following groups do you consider yourself to belong?   White British   Mixed - White and Black African White Irish   Other mixed background Any other white background   Asian - Indian Black - Carribean   Asian - Pakistani Black - African   Asian - Bangladeshi Any other black background   Other Asian background Mixed - White and Black Carribean   Other ethnic group Please state 'other ethnic group' Are you?   Male   Female Age   Below 16   45 - 54 16 - 24   55 - 64 25 - 34   65 - 75 35 - 44   75 and over Sexual Orientation   Heterosexual   Bisexual Homosexual   Prefer not to say Lesbian

Faith   Christian   Sikh Buddhist   None Hindu   Prefer not to say Jewish   Other Muslim   Please state 'other' Name Address Email address Thank you for taking the time to help us by completing this questionnaire. All responses will be collated and analysed to assess any improvements that the Council should consider. If you wish to receive a copy of the final report please select which method you would like us to send it to you   Hard copy   Electronic copy