Cambridgeshire residents are continuing to experience high levels of happiness, with fewer people suffering from loneliness or mental health challenges, according to the results of Cambridgeshire County Council's fourth Quality of Life survey.
This year, 6,912 residents shared their views on living in the county. 5,501 residents took part in the sample survey, approximately 1,100 in each of the five district/city areas in Cambridgeshire providing a representative view across the county. An additional 1,411 completed the online survey, enabling any resident to take part. These additional results will be analysed and published separately.
The responses received provide valuable insights into residents’ wellbeing, how they’re feeling about the communities they live in and the public services around them, including the county council.
Although concerns around the cost of living, climate change, and access to jobs remain high, many residents were more satisfied with services and reported feeling better informed by the council.
Key findings from the 2026 survey include:
- 84% of residents say they feel happy – this figure has remained consistent over four years.
- 24% say they often feel lonely, and 26% reported struggling with their mental health – this is lower than last year but still having the greatest impact on younger residents.
- 87% of residents reporting that they personally feel concerned about the cost of living – the same as last year – with over half (56%) reporting having taken action in the last year as a result of cost-of-living increases.
Key findings about the county council this year, included:
- 60% of residents say that the council keeps them well informed about the services it provides, representing a significant increase from 50% in 2025.
- Residents continue to be very satisfied with registration and library services (both 87%), followed by waste management (81%), park and ride and guided busway services (80%), and street lighting (78%).
- 55% of residents trust the council to make decisions about local services - higher than the national benchmark of 49%.
- 49% believe the council provides value for money – up from 47% last year and 41% in 2024.
- Satisfaction with roads and pavements has risen for a second consecutive year to 32%, up from 21% in 2024.
Our upcoming #BeWinterWise campaign for 2026 will help raise awareness around issues of isolation, mental health and wellbeing, loneliness and the cost of living – all of which can worsen during the darker months. The campaign will also signpost people to support available across Cambridgeshire.
Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council, Councillor Lucy Nethsingha said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views in this year’s Quality of Life survey. Your feedback is vital and helps us and our partners to focus on what matters most to you.
"I’m pleased to learn that trust in the council remains high and that an increasing number of residents believe the council provides value for money. I’m also reassured to see recognition of the major investment we are putting into improving our highways.
“It is important that residents feel well informed about the services and benefits the council provides so seeing a 10% increase in this area is excellent.
“We know there is always more work to do. We will continue to focus on building safe and supportive communities across the county, and working towards a healthy, fair and more sustainable Cambridgeshire for everyone.”
Read the full 2026 Quality of Life Survey results.
The County Council has carried out this survey in partnership with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and Cambridge Ahead. The results provide valuable insight and contextual evidence which will be fed into the council's business planning processes.
