The annual Three Rivers District Council Residents’ Survey has revealed that the majority of respondents are satisfied with the council's services and their local area. The survey, which ran from 1 November 2025 to 1 February 2026, found that 61% of participants were satisfied with how the council manages its services. Furthermore, 84% expressed satisfaction with their place of residence, and 87% agreed that it is a great district to live in. A notable 93% of respondents also reported confidence in using their recycling bins.
Regarding personal safety, 94% of respondents stated they feel safe in their local area during the day, with 70% reporting feeling safe after dark. The survey also highlighted a significant shift in household concerns for the next three years, with 'cost of living' being the primary concern for 61% of respondents, a notable increase from 34% in the previous survey. Physical health and wellbeing, followed by environmental concerns, were the next most significant worries.
“"It is encouraging to discover that the majority of those who responded to our survey are satisfied with the services that the district council provides. We have also discovered through this analysis of public opinion that people do feel safe on our streets. “The survey has also highlighted areas for improvement. We will take note of what has been said – and we will take action. Cost of living is an ongoing challenge faced by many people, and this survey shows us that this challenge is growing as people find rising energy costs and general global uncertainty a growing difficulty."
The survey was conducted via the council’s Have Your Say online platform. Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Leader of the Council, commented on the findings, noting the positive feedback on services and safety. He acknowledged the growing concern over the cost of living and pledged that the council would take action based on the survey's insights.
