Issue - meetings

Report of the Leader, Councillor Rowena Hay

Introducing the report, the Leader said resident surveys have been undertaken in 2019, 2022, and 2025, with the results of this year’s survey now collated and presented to Members for noting and information.  She made the following points:

-       the surveys help measure how residents feel about Cheltenham and CBC services, and this year’s is particularly well timed, coinciding with local government reorganisation, to provide information about how people identify with the town and which services are most valued;

-       there is continued dissatisfaction with roads and pavements, and the findings will be shared with the new administration at the county, which will hopefully make improvements to benefit Cheltenham residents;

-       we have been through torrid times since the last survey, with covid, the cost of living crisis, inflation and massive increase in energy bills presenting a huge financial challenge and requiring the council  to deliver millions of pounds’ worth of savings to protect our services.  The fact that overall satisfaction levels this year are consistent with those of  2019 is something of which we can be proud, although there is always room for improvement;

-       many people responded to the survey on line, but to ensure qualitative data, a specific number of phone calls to residents were also made, to provide a proper cross section of all residents from the age of 16 to pensioners.

There may not be another survey before 2028 but we will look at what residents are telling us and fight to protect and enhance the local services they rely on. 

In response to Members’ questions, the Leader confirmed that:

-       where north, south, east and west Cheltenham is referred to, she was unable to say specifically which wards fall in these areas.  The survey was carried out by Enventure Research Ltd, and they can provide that information;

-       relevant results of the survey will be shared with Gloucestershire County Council – in particular residents’ concerns about roads and potholes, and the closure of the Swindon Road HRC – and she welcomed to opportunity to work together with the county to resolve the issues.

In debate, Members made the following points:

-       it is interesting to note that over 80% of Cheltenham residents think it is important to be represented by a local council and councillors;

-       another interesting point to note is that residents don’t feel they have enough choice of retail options in the town centre – this view is particularly prevalent with young people – and highlights the need to focus on attracting more affordable retailers to the town; 

-       although we all know we are lucky to live in Cheltenham, and the survey reinforces this, there are still challenges and it is important not to be complacent.  We must  continue to engage with residents, knock on doors, distribute leaflets, and make sure people know who we are and how to get in touch;

-       it is great to read in the survey that young people now think that Cheltenham is offering  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11