PLANNING

If the reading of opinion is faulty, nothing gets done

Public preference and tolerance is commonly underestimated and misunderstood, and we need more leaders who understand when to ignore opinion polls, says chief executive of Ipsos Ben Page.

Isn't nuance a lovely thing?  And how rare is it in politics.

Housebuilding is a good example. People, even entire communities, are described as nimby' based on objections to planning applications or surveys which ask about ‘in principle' views. The reality is more nuanced, more ‘maybe'. For example, Ipsos has found support for building more local homes varying from 46% to 71% depending on the proposed nature of new development, its location and who would benefit. When it comes to policy, public opinion is influenced by who the ‘messengers' are as well as the message or policy itself. Road pricing is a similarly fluid issue. A recent Ipsos poll for The Economist found people divided on the prospect of road pricing replacing fuel duty (with two-fifths indifferent). But support increases with hypothecation - earmarking the revenues raised for a specific purpose – giving a completely different picture.

Ben Page

Popular articles by Ben Page

SUBSCRIBE TO CONTINUE READING

Get unlimited access to The MJ with a subscription, plus a weekly copy of The MJ magazine sent directly to you door and inbox.

Subscribe

Full website content includes additional, exclusive commentary and analysis on the issues affecting local government.

Login

Already a subscriber?