Wave Seven – August-September 2025

• The rising cost of living is continuing to have a widespread impact on residents. 76% of residents are ‘very’ or ‘quite’ concerned about it in relation to their ability to manage their finances
• 44% of residents are less able, or unable to met the day-to-day costs of living – this has slightly increased since the previous wave of research, although lower than other previous years
• The increasing price of food shopping (81%) and gas or electricity bills (74%) remain the top reasons for the rise in the cost of living for a third year running. Higher rents or mortgages appear to have had a slightly greater impact this year (40%)
• In response to rising costs residents are spending less, using their savings, and using less fuel
• Residents are largely unclear on where to go for support with the cost of living; 38% report knowing where to go, whilst the same proportion do not and 23% are unsure
• Just under half of residents are happy and satisfied with their life nowadays, slightly lower than in previous waves of research
• Levels of trust in advice and information from Portsmouth City Council have decreased since the last wave of research, whilst trust in the NHS remains high
• Residents generally appear to be having fewer problems accessing health services compared to previous years
• Most residents consider themselves proud to live in Portsmouth (60%), particularly in regard to the city’s local history and heritage, as well as it unique identity as a city
• The majority of residents feel that the port is important to Portsmouth’s economy (89%)
• Parks, green spaces, and the seafront are important to wellbeing; 94% of residents consider them important to their mental wellbeing
• When offering advice or support to those facing homelessness, residents are most likely to direct others towards the Council or local charities
• Most residents are interested in receiving information from the Council (61%) and two thirds are interested in sharing their views (66%).
• Residents would most like the Council to share information about big projects in the city (74%), events and other things to do in the city (72%), transport and travel (71%) and refuse, recycling and other clean city services (70%)

We did some similar research in 2020 and 2021 but with a focus on the impact of coronavirus. In the years since, we spoke to you again but focused on the rising cost of living. In total have had more than 12,000 responses from residents. Results from all waves of research can be found on the Resident Research home page.

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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 15 August 2025 and was in field until 14 September 2025. It was promoted through the following marketing and communication channels:

• Press release announcing the survey
• Social media promotion including boosted posts and paid advertising
• Website news story, banners and ‘your city your say’ page
• Inclusion in news bulletins
• Inclusion in staff bulletins and all-staff emails
• Promoted with voluntary and community sector organisations
• Made available as a paper survey in key locations around the city e.g. libraries and community centres

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 see our data weighting webpage.

The consultation survey attracted 1,464 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 3%.