Quality of life survey 2023

South Cambridgeshire consistently reports more positively than Fenland and Cambridge City on quality of life

*While South Cambridge is more positive in categories like quality of life, it should be noted that it is  not always the most positive on services

72% of residents in Cambridgeshire reported high or very high levels of happiness… averages are in line with the ONS record.

But younger people and those from lower Socio-Economic Groups (SEGs) are significantly less likely to report high levels of happiness.

And over a third (37%) of all residents have struggled with their mental health, and over a quarter report feeling lonely … matching national trends.

When it comes to physical health, two fifths (40%) report struggling this year… those from lower SEGs feel less healthy, and younger parents are more likely to be worried about their children's health.

Unhealthy habits including smoking and drinking are in line with the national average overall.

Young people in Cambridgeshire are more likely to be engaging with these habits than older people… which could cause pressure on future services.

86% of residents are concerned about rising costs… in line with the rest of the UK. Those from the lowest Socio-Economic Groups (SEGs) and part time workers report above average concern.

This is impacting residents’ behaviour as a result of cost-of -living… which is most prevalent amongst younger residents, renters, disabled residents and those from lower SEGs.

Over three quarters of residents are concerned about climate change.

Residents, especially those most concerned about climate change, are open to changing their behaviour to behave more sustainably…

However, cost-of-living concerns are likely to trump implementing any costly behaviour change at this time, given prevalence of the concern.

Expectations on the Council to respond are high – 77% would like to see Cambridgeshire County Council do more when it comes to climate change and 85% would like to see Cambridgeshire County Council do more to protect and enhance the natural environment.

At a high level, the majority feel positive about their local area and raising children there.

84% feel safe, 80% feel different people get along and 75% feel they belong.

But some groups feel less positive about the area… Cambridge City and Fenland residents, under 34 year-olds, ethnic minorities, those from lower Socio-Economic Groups (SEGs), disabled residents and renters are more likely to disagree with positive sentiments.

When it comes to housing, over half of residents report having a problem with their main place of residence (52%), and just over a quarter struggle to heat their homes (26%).

Concerns with housing are highest for young people, ethnic minorities, those with dependents, disabled residents, private and social housing renters (more so than private renters).

52% trust the Council to make decisions about services, whereas 44% recognise value for money. In comparison the Local Government Association (LGA) survey found that 42% recognise their local council as delivering value for money.

But the Council's reputation is less favourable amongst older residents, who are less likely to trust the Council, and don’t feel listened to.

Those using services are satisfied with them on the whole… road maintenance is a notable outlier.

Those who ‘don’t know’ about a service typically aren’t the most vulnerable… which is positive. This shows people who need the Council's services are probably aware of them.

An exception is disabled residents who score highly in ‘don’t know’ about services they may need.

Residents expect the Council to be doing more for many services and are assessing the Council against them … including those not within the Council's control like bus services and GP access.