A survey of 250 people living in the Dover district has revealed that 69% are pleased with the services offered by the council.

The studies underlined the value placed on local services with 76% of residents prepared to pay at least an extra £7 a year in council tax to Dover District Council to minimise reductions in the services it provides, said publicity officer Kevin Charles.

DDC commissioned the survey and the results contribute to the current budget setting exercise for 2014/15 and the following years.

Council leader Cllr Paul Watkins said: “I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the survey. I am pleased that levels of satisfaction with the council have improved despite the difficult financial climate.

“I know there is still much to be done, in particular to realise our ambitions for investments in our town centres. The recent planning application for a six screen Cineworld in the St James’s development in Dover is a real sign of progress.

“We are also making real progress on other issues identified as priorities for residents, including the recruitment of new environmental enforcement officers, and additional apprentices.”

Mr Charles added that like most local authorities, Dover District Council expects to have to make further savings in 2014/15, and again in 2015/16, as it faces a reduced funding settlement from central government and a continuing cap on council tax increases.

He said: “Despite these pressures, DDC has the lowest council tax in east Kent and has achieved a significant increase in levels of satisfaction since the last survey was undertaken in 2007, (55%).”