RESIDENTS in the Vale of Glamorgan are among the most satisfied in Wales, according to figures released as part of the National Survey for Wales.

The survey of almost 10,500 people in Wales, which was published on Wednesday, June 28, asked participants questions about their personal wellbeing, culture, local government, public services and finances, amongst other topics.

Findings suggested that 88 per cent of people in the Vale were satisfied with their local area as a place to live - higher than the national average of 85 per cent. People in Ceredigion were the most satisfied, where 95 per cent indicated that they enjoyed living there, while just 66 per cent of residents in Blaenau Gwent agreed.

Additionally, nearly three-quarters of the Vale population said they felt a strong sense of belonging to the local area.

Regarding the local authority, 13 per cent strongly agreed that the Vale council provided high quality services - the highest in Wales. A further 40 per cent said they tended to agree, while less than one-in-five had a negative perception of the council's work.

Responding to the figures publication, John Thomas, leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, said: "We’re delighted to have emerged so favourably from this survey. To have the highest proportion of respondents in Wales strongly agree that the Vale Council is providing a good service is a major honour and testament to the hard work put in by staff across the board."

On the topic of safety, over three-quarters of people in the area said that they would feel safe whether at home, walking or travelling through the Vale of Glamorgan, against 24 per cent who said they would not.

In addition, residents indicated that their financial stability was generally well taken care of, with 76 per cent of the Vale's working-age population stating that they had no difficulties keeping up with bill payments - the best in Wales. Eighty-three per cent of pensioners also said they had no difficulties coping with this.

Other areas in which the Vale performed strongly included people's levels of satisfaction with their most recent medical care, with the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board proving the most popular in the country.

Welsh-language proficiency was one of the few areas in which the Vale fared less well, with just 12 per cent saying they could speak fluently. The national average was 20 per cent.

Further updates to the study are expected across the Summer and will be looking at topics including mental health, internet use and children's lifestyles.

Full details can be found online. Go to: gov.wales/statistics-and-research/national-survey for more information.