Deadline on Saturday for residents to have their say in council survey

Residents in Newtown, Welshpool and surrounding communities have until tomorrow (Saturday) to tell Powys County Council what they think about living in the county and the services they receive.

The council's Let's Talk: Living in Powys survey closes on 31 October and is intended to provide a clearer picture of residents' priorities, their experiences of local services and the issues affecting their communities.

For people in Newtown and Welshpool, the survey comes at a time when public services, access to healthcare, transport and the cost of living remain important local concerns.

Both towns serve large rural communities, where access to services can be particularly challenging for people without their own transport.

The survey asks residents what matters most to them, how they feel about their local area and how they view and interact with Powys County Council.

It also provides an opportunity for residents to raise concerns about the council's performance and the services it is responsible for delivering.

Among the issues affecting communities in north Powys are pressures on council budgets, the condition of local roads, public transport provision and access to services in rural areas.

Proposals affecting community hospital services in Newtown and Welshpool have also prompted significant local debate, although decisions about NHS services are the responsibility of Powys Teaching Health Board rather than the county council.

The council says the responses will help it better understand the experiences and priorities of people living across Powys.

Cllr Jake Berriman, Leader of Powys County Council, said: “The Let’s Talk: Living in Powys survey is an important opportunity for residents to tell us what life is like in their communities, what matters most to them, and how they feel about the services provided by the council.

“The more people who take part, the clearer picture we will have of residents’ priorities and experiences across Powys. I would encourage everyone to complete the survey and to share it with family, friends and neighbours so we can hear from as many voices as possible.”

The survey is being carried out by Data Cymru on behalf of Powys County Council.

While the findings are intended to inform the council's understanding of residents' views, the authority has not set out in the announcement which specific policy or spending decisions will be affected by the results.

Residents can complete the survey online at [Let's Talk: Living in Powys](https://surveys.data.cymru/s/524ArolwgPreswylwyr_ResidentSurvey/?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

Paper and easy read versions are also available through the council's Have Your Say Powys website (https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/lets-talk-powys?utm_source=chatgpt.com). Completed paper forms can be handed to staff at Powys libraries, including those in Newtown and Welshpool.

In the 2025 survey, just 57% of Newtown respondents were satisfied with their area as a place to live, the lowest proportion among the localities reported in the Powys Well-being Assessment. Across Powys, the figure was 71.2%. Newtown was also among the areas least likely to recommend Powys as a place to live, at 69%. The countywide survey received 1,197 responses.