Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Town Clerk.

The Committee received the report of the Deputy Town Clerk (DTC) concerning the outcomes of the Council’s 2026 Annual Residents Survey.

As the Committee with overall governance responsibility, Members noted that matters relating to individual service areas had already been considered by the relevant Committees within the current cycle of meetings. This report therefore provided a summary position across all Committees.

It was noted, as observed by each Committee, that there had been a lower number of responses to the survey, alongside the demographic age profile of respondents, particularly those aged 18 and under. Discussion took place regarding the lower response rates, particularly from younger residents. Members were advised that the same methodology had been used as in previous years.

The Committee was advised that additional engagement work was being undertaken by Officers, including a resident survey activity planned for Witney Carnival, which was currently in development by Officers.

Members agreed that those matters raised by residents that fell under the remit of external bodies should be shared with Oxfordshire County Council (OCC), West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC) and Thames Valley Police (TVP).

The potential introduction of a Council podcast was raised by a Member to enhance engagement, including ahead of future surveys. Members also considered the use of short videos, similar to those produced by grant recipients for the Annual Town Meeting which would be explored by the Stronger Communities Committee.

Members also highlighted the importance of reinforcing messages around personal responsibility, including encouraging residents to take litter home. In addition, it was suggested that the Council’s Communications Team should do more to highlight the areas in which the Council had significant expenditure to improve transparency and public awareness.

In relation to the Witney Music Festival, it was unanimously agreed that a wash-up meeting should be held between Officers and the organisers with an update being provided to the Committee at its meeting on 28 September.

Resolved:

1. That, the report and verbal updates be noted and;
2. That, matters raised by residents falling under the remit of external agencies be shared with Oxfordshire County Council, West Oxfordshire District Council and Thames Valley Police and;
3. That, communications encouraging residents to take litter home be promoted and;
4. That, the introduction of a Council podcast (or similar digital engagement methods) be explored further by Officers and;
5. That, the Council’s Communications Team be requested to highlight significant areas of Council expenditure to improve transparency.