HZ | Centre for Community Research investigates, on behalf of the province, every four years how residents experience the quality of life in Zeeland and what expectations they have for the future. In the report 'Living in Zeeland', the researchers sketch through seven thematic lenses how Zeelanders view living, working, and life in Zeeland. More than 11,000 residents of the province completed the questionnaire. The report was presented on Monday to Harry van der Maas, who commissioned the research on behalf of the province.
The main conclusion of the research? Inhabitants of Zeelandare generally satisfied with their lives and life in Zeeland in general. Half of the residents feel that the province is heading in the right direction compared to four years ago. However, the share who disagree has risen from 19 to 27 percent.
Residents also give the landscape (8), society (7.5), and economy (7.2) a comfortable pass mark. Peace and quiet, space, nature, and community spirit are the aspects of living in Zeeland they value most. Accessibility, the pressure of tourism on liveability, and the availability and affordability of housing are the concerns that worry Zeelanders most.
Seven Lenses
The researchers divided the report into seven thematic lenses: Living Together and Participation, Environment and Climate, Facilities and Accessibility, Work and Career, Signals of Vulnerability, Pleasant and Safe Housing, and A Look at Zeeland: Now and Later.
A few notable findings: in the area of pleasant and safe housing, Zeelanders are generally very satisfied with their own home and surroundings. A small but slightly larger group compared to 2021 occasionally feels unsafe, particularly in the municipality of Vlissingen. The share of residents experiencing nuisance in their living environment has also increased. In Noord-Beveland and Veere, residents experience nuisance mainly from tourism. Residents of Borsele, Terneuzen, and Vlissingen suffer from noise, odours, dust, and soot from the surrounding area.
Accessibility and Facilities
Although residents are on average satisfied with the availability of facilities such as a supermarket and a GP, this is not the case everywhere, particularly in small villages and medium-sized towns. Residents are least satisfied with the availability of cultural venues, a hospital, and shops. Accessibility is another concern. Satisfaction with the availability and affordability of public transport is low and has declined compared to four years ago, a feeling felt especially in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.
In the area of living together and participation, Zeeland stands out positively. The number of informal carers and residents who help others with care is greater than four years ago. Zeelanders are also more involved in resident initiatives than in other regions and regularly attend public consultation evenings. In Veere, this involvement is above average. In Middelburg and Vlissingen, this percentage is lower.
With the upcoming municipal elections in mind, trust in political leaders is cause for concern. A small majority has confidence in provincial and local government, but only two in ten residents trust the House of Representatives, even lower than four years ago. On the other hand, a large majority trusts other people, the police, and the judiciary. Residents also speak highly of social cohesion, which is rated more positively than four years ago.
Taking Signals Seriously
"It is good to see that many inhabitants are satisfied with their lives and living environment," responds Deputy Harry van der Maas. "The peace, space, and strong community spirit make Zeeland special. The research also shows that there are still concerns and wishes, for example regarding the level of facilities in smaller villages or housing. We must take those signals seriously. As a province we will work on this together with the municipalities and the national government."
HZ KCZS carries out multi-year programmed research on behalf of the Province of Zeeland. One of these studies is 'Living in Zeeland', which produces knowledge for policy aimed at the residents of Zeeland. Based on the report, the knowledge centre facilitates various discussions with Zeeland government bodies.
The full report can be read here (in Dutch).