A survey of councillors across England and Wales has found that waste collection is a top priority as authorities face up to the spending squeeze.
The state of local government report by ComRes asked 500 councillors their thoughts on upcoming council spending cuts, which both the Tories and Labour admit will be needed to address the hole in public finances.
More than three-quarters – 76% – of respondents reported that their council did not have the financial resources needed to deliver the local services residents expected, and more than two-thirds – 68% – said their council’s financial situation had worsened over the past year.
Waste collection and recycling services were highlighted as priorities by 38% of councillors. Environmental health was deemed one of the least-important priorities.
The members were also asked to rate the performance of various departments within their own authorities out of 10. Waste came out on top, with an average score of 7.26, but public transport and traffic/roads came bottom, both scoring around 5. The survey also found that more than seven in 10 councillors (71%) did not believe their council was sufficiently empowered to provide the services that local people really wanted.
‘These results are further proof that the recession has had a big impact across all levels of government,’ said ComRes chief executive, Andrew Hawkins.
‘Local government is being squeezed by the unpleasant combination of worsening revenues and increased demand on council resources.’
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