URL: https://democracy.middevon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1386

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Cabinet had before it and NOTED a report * from the Deputy Chief Executive (S151) presenting the Council’s Resident Survey results.   The Leader of the Council outlined the contents of the report with particular reference to the following:   The 2025 survey demonstrated residents’ views on Council’s performance across a wide range of services, and the feedback was used to inform annual budget priorities. Overall scores remained stable compared with 2024, and the survey helped reflect on key frontline service achievements over the previous year. Waste services performed in the top 5% nationally, with additional materials added to collections. Investment in Leisure Centres resulted in increased membership and participation. The Housing service continued delivering high?quality, energy?efficient homes, and the economy team maintained essential business support. Decarbonisation work progressed, including new Electric Vehicles (EV) charging infrastructure, solar installations, and modern heating technologies. Positive achievements were highlighted as evidence of delivery against the Council’s corporate plan. Dissatisfaction levels reduced from 30.6% in 2023 to 23.8% in 2025, noted as a positive shift in resident sentiment. Survey engagement was viewed positively given that respondents often participated when dissatisfied, and no significant downward trends were evident. The feedback was welcomed, and the survey results were considered encouraging.   Discussion took place with regards to:   Positively promoting what the Council achievements were through the Communication team. The number of fly?tipping prosecutions during the year. Members were advised that none had been prosecuted as those that were caught fly-tipping had paid the penalty received. Further clarification was requested on the shared ownership breakdown for the 70 homes at Post Hill, including the percentage allocated to shared ownership. Members were advised that the site was not a Mid Devon Housing development and ownership had been transferred to Live West in late 2024 to deliver affordable housing. Live West had confirmed that, subject to final allocations, 20 of the 70 homes were intended for shared ownership, with the remainder for 100% rent. Whether the resident’s application recorded scheduled repair times to prevent unnecessary waiting and to provide an auditable trail. It was explained that this was a work in progress. An update was sought on the “Screen Devon” programme, including whether Phoenix House was expected to appear on the list. A question was asked about whether a feedback loop existed to demonstrate how resident feedback had been acted upon, to support accountability and encourage higher future response rates? It was explained that the appendix captured residents’ concerns and how the Council had addressed those. Further clarification was sought on whether the resident’s application would undergo focus group testing with residents to ensure suitability before wider rollout. It was explained a small cohort of Members and residents had been testing the application. Broadband had previously been a concern; however, the resident’s that had completed the survey had not highlighted this as an issue. It was explained that broadband data was held jointly with Devon County Council, reflecting years of connectivity projects across Devon. Engagement with local media, a question was raised about how the Council had been engaging with the media to ensure positive stories were promoted? It was explained that the Communication team posted on social media and the Council’s website highlighting the Council achievements and these were monitored.   Note: * Report previously circulated.    

Date of Decision: March 3, 2026