Publication of the national Place Survey results finally happened last week. So now we know that 29% of the population think they can influence decisions locally. As with all indicators (this is one is NI 4 – but there are lots of others!) isn’t it wonderful to have a number?

The trouble, however, with such numbers – as any market researcher will confirm – is that they are entirely dependent upon the sample, and professionals in this business have excellent and sophisticated methods to ensure that samples are well-designed and as representative as possible.