01.02.13
Public trust in councils reaffirmed – NLGN
The public trust councils to take difficult decisions on spending rather than central government, new data shows.
An Ipsos MORI poll, commissioned by the New Local Government Network (NLGN) found that 79% of voters trust local councils to make important decisions about the future of local services, while only 11% trust the Government to do so. 8% did not trust either, the poll showed.
55% of voters are concerned about the impact of council service cuts on themselves and their families over the next twelve months, and this proportion is higher among voters from poorer socio-economic backgrounds, who are more likely to be dependent on the state.
The data also showed that 48% agree the cuts have gone too far, and could lead to social unrest.
NLGN director Simon Parker said: “Councils might be surprised to learn that most voters are ignoring criticisms from Eric Pickles. Residents appear overwhelmingly to recognise that shrinking budgets are the result of national policy, not local profligacy.
“But the cuts are not going to go away, so councils must get on the front foot and speed up the development of new service offerings that can maintain quality for much less money.”
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