We carry out annual residents surveys to give you a chance to let us know your views on Harlow and the services we provide. The surveys help us improve our services and direct our resources towards the issues that matter most to you.
2023 survey
In 2023, we employed independent market research specialists Yonder Data Solutions to conduct our residents survey.
They interviewed a total of 751 residents by phone. The final data was weighted to be representative of Harlow in terms of age and gender in line with the 2021 Census.
The main survey findings were:
- 77% of Harlow residents are ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ satisfied with their local area as a place to live and 58% are satisfied with the way that Harlow Council runs things
- residents typically get information from or about Harlow Council and the services it provides through leaflets (61%), Harlow Times (61%), the council’s website (60%) and word of mouth (58%)
- 23% hear about the council through emails and email newsletters, but 47% say that this would be a preferred channel
- communication preferences differ by age and gender – with printed information favoured by older residents and digital channels favoured by younger residents
- the most important local issues are improving council services (96% feel this is important), securing investment into Harlow (94%) and restoring pride in Harlow (91%)
- tackling crime and antisocial behaviour is viewed as the main priority for the council (49%), followed by providing a range of housing (41%)
- providing activities and support for younger people (35%) and a regenerated town centre (33%) are also relatively important priorities
- Harlow performance is generally comparable to the national average in terms of satisfaction, value for money, council responsiveness and trust - the main differences are seen in terms of resident safety, with Harlow residents significantly less likely to feel safe at night than the population nationally
- older Harlow residents are typically more positive towards the local area and the council than younger residents
You can read the full report of the residents survey 2023 (pdf)