Public Support More Power to Local Councils

The British public are in favour of increasing the powers and financial control of local government. Six in ten say they would like their local council to have more freedom to set the council tax at the level needed to provide good services. Two in five people also feel that the influence of councils could increase if central and local government improved the way they work together.

Satisfaction with local government is high; indeed people are twice as likely to be satisfied with their local council (52%) as they are with parliament (23%).

The survey conducted on behalf of the new Local Government Association, also demonstrates the public's desire to see key national issues addressed at a local level. Services tackling crime/law and order emerge as the most most important for a local council to provide (75%) while reducing crime and attracting new jobs to the area are thought to be top priorities (29% and 27% respectively).

This survey is being released to coincide with the launch of the Local Government Association on 1 April 1997.

Technical details

MORI interviewed 5.098 adults aged 18+ between 7-21 February 1997. Interviews were conducted face-to-face in home in England and Wales.