Devolution

Charging for services is an option open to councils in a number of ways - this research aimed to gain an understanding of the current trends in local government in terms of charging, as well as future plans. The survey sought to consider specific services, and examine the motivations for charging for these, as well as the barriers to doing so.

The public lacks confidence in the ability of local public service organisations to deliver services in today's climate of austerity, but are sympathetic to the challenges, according to recent research conducted by Ipsos for Zurich Municipal.

Q How much if anything do you feel you know about your local council?

Stoke-on-Trent City Council's current system of governance - elected mayor and council manager - must be replaced in 2009 because of changes in the law relating to council management in England and Wales.

As part of its consultations on the future of local government in Exeter, Exeter City Council commissioned Ipsos to undertake a telephone survey involving a cross-section of residents living in Exeter and its surrounding areas.

Research by Ipsos for London Councils has found that Londoners have relatively low levels of awareness about their council and local politics.

A representative sample of 36 AMs - more than half of the Senedd chamber - were interviewed face-to-face on a range of issues by Ipsos in September / October 2007.

Q. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements:
In principle, public services should be run by the government or local authorities, rather than by private companies?
People who provide public services should be employed by the government or local authorities rather than by private companies?

Q How much if anything do you feel you know about the European Union?