Residents’ Survey 2025 – high level of satisfaction with life in Exeter

More than 80 per cent of residents are satisfied with where they live in Exeter, according to the Residents’ Survey 2025.

The council is committed to engaging with its residents and commissions an annual survey allowing it to benchmark performance against other local authorities. 

All residents are also encouraged to take part in an online survey. 

Key findings from this year’s survey include: 

• 81 per cent said they were satisfied with their local area as a place to live 
• 50 per cent are satisfied with how the council runs things – the same as last year 
• 40 per cent agree the council provides value for money – up slightly on last year and above the national average 
• 52 per cent think the Council keeps them well-informed – up slightly on last year and above the national average 
• 60 per cent trust the council a great deal or fair amount – up slightly on last year and well above the national average 

Cllr Matt Vizard, Lead Councillor for Communities, said: “It is vital that we engage with residents to find out how they feel about life in Exeter, Council services, and what else is important to them.   

“Delivering the best possible services remains our priority, and council staff work hard to deliver these. I am proud of Labour-run Exeter City Council's record of protecting and improving services despite the challenges that all local authorities have faced. 

“I want to thank everyone who took the time to take part. I agree with residents who have strongly identified the Quay, our unique history and heritage, and our green spaces and parks as special aspects of our city. It is clear that residents love living here. 

“The results will inform the Council's priorities and further work over the coming year.” 

Perceptions of community safety vary, with some residents – especially women, disabled people, and those living in central areas and areas of higher deprivation – feeling unsafe after dark. 

Deputy Leader Cllr Laura Wright said: “We have been instigating important and effective projects to improve how we feel about the city safety – including increasing our CCTV infrastructure, coverage and staffing, launching a community safety team for the city centre and Cowick Street area, continuing the use of our Public Spaces Protection Order, launching the yellow help signs and campaigning to Devon County Council to fix broken street lights in numerous areas where people can feel vulnerable.” 

Overall satisfaction with Exeter City Council has remained consistent since 2024, as was agreement that the council provides value for money. 

Satisfaction levels with council services were similar to last year – with sport and leisure services, parks and green spaces, social housing (landlord services), homeless prevention and museums and visitor attractions all showing an increase. 

Top reasons why Exeter is special were - independent outlets, the Quay, accessible and easy to get around, history and heritage, and green spaces and parks. 

A high percentage of respondents - 86 per cent - have participated in Exeter’s cultural scene over the last year. 

To see the full results visit https://engage.exeter.gov.uk/resident-survey-2025