Postal Survey method may further disadvantage disadvantaged groups. Previously the Council has been required by Government to undertake a Best Value survey every 3 years to provide information about how it is performing against nationally-set indicators. In the last round of Best Value surveys Birmingham City Council commissioned BMG Research to undertake both the statutory postal survey, and the same survey using a face-to-face interview method. Subsequent analysis of the data has been undertaken to explore whether or not the requirement to conduct resident surveys using the “postal” methodology disadvantages certain groups. The analysis clearly shows that the postal methodology significantly and systematically disadvantages those in poor neighbourhoods, non-white residents, the unemployed and younger people (aged under 45). In contrast, the face-to-face methodology, to a large extent, improved these effects. Disadvantaged groups were able to make themselves heard more effectively under the face-to-face methodology. In terms of poverty, the wealthiest residents are more than 80% more likely to have their views heard under the postal methodology than the poorest residents. This difference is reduced by a factor of four by using the face-to-face methodology. However, the Government is now proposing a new 'Place Survey' (which will replace the Best Value Survey) be carried out every 2 years - and its most-favoured option is for it to be a postal survey. The Council will be making strong representations to try and change its mind.