In order that the Council can provide effective and efficient services for its residents, it is important that it has relevant and up-to-date information and knowledge. Research and development is one method used to obtain this information, as well as facilitating other functions for the Council including:

• better knowledge of residents’ views and priorities
• broader perspective on the lives of its communities
• affect of the Council’s policies and programmes on residents and communities 
• improving the policy process by effectively taking people’s opinions and views  into account