Wave Five – July-September 2023

• The rising cost of living is having a widespread impact on residents
• 80% of residents are ‘very’ or ‘quite’ concerned about it in relation to their ability to manage their finances
• Just over half of residents are less able, or unable to met the day-to-day costs of living (53%)
• The increasing price of food shopping (95%), gas or electricity bills (79%) and price of fuel (56%) are the top reasons for the rise in the cost of living for a second year running
• In response to rising costs residents are spending less, shopping around more, using less fuel and using their savings
• The majority of residents making rent or mortgage payments are concerned about those payments increasing in the future (86%)
• Uncertainty about the ability of organisations to help, knowing where to get help and uncertainty about eligibility are preventing some residents accessing information, advice and support
• Local independent and national/international restaurants, cafes, takeaways and bars are set to be hit hardest by reduced spending by results, along with culture and leisure activities – for a second year running
• Residents are, comparatively, slightly happier and more satisfied with their life than the previous two waves
• Levels of trust in the advice and information from Portsmouth City Council have remained consistent since the last wave of research, however residents have continued to lose confidence in central government since W3
• The majority of residents who contact the council are happy with the customer service they receive (58%)
• Residents are experiencing widespread problems accessing GP practices and dentists which centre around booking appointments and registering at an NHS dentist
• The majority of residents understand the importance of planning for later life. Financial security and looking after your physical health are top on people’s agenda

We did some similar research in 2020 and 2021 but with a focus on the impact of coronavirus. In 2022 we spoke to you again but focused on the rising cost of living. In total have had more than 7,800 responses from residents. Results from all waves of research can be found on the home page here.

You can also sign-up for email alerts so you never miss another consultation.

An online survey was the main approach taken for the research although paper copies were made available both around the city and on request. The survey launched on 26 July 2023 and was in field until 10 September 2023. It was promoted through the following marketing and communication channels:

• Press release
• Social media promotion including boosted posts and paid advertising
• Website news story, banners and ‘your city your say’ page
• Inclusions in news bulletins
• Inclusion in staff bulletins and all-staff emails
• Promoted with voluntary and community sector organisations
• Snapchat campaign

Despite extensive efforts to reach out to all demographics, the sample collected was not representative of Portsmouth’s known population. In order to ensure that the results of the analysis were representative of the views of the city’s residents, the data was weighted using various sources of Official Statistics. For further details about the data weighting click here.

The consultation survey attracted 2,049 responses from residents. Assuming a ‘total population’ of 170,818 people (the latest 2021 census data from the Office for National Statistics for people aged 16+ in Portsmouth), this volume of responses ensures a 95% confidence level with a margin of error of 2%.