Local Government

The Commission on Integration and Cohesion (CIC) was established in August 2006 as a fixed-term body (reporting in June 2007), charged with deepening an understanding of community cohesion issues and relevant policy approaches, and developing practical approaches to support community cohesion in local areas.

This research study was commissioned to contribute to the ongoing work of Communities and Local Government and the Commission. It seeks to help understand `what works' in terms of cohesion policy and initiatives by investigating policy and practice in six case-study areas.

A qualitative examination of the factors residents and local government professionals use to judge the quality of the local environment and public space and how such qualities are understood and applied. Twelve qualities by which an area might be judged were developed by University College London, based on a literature review. Participants were asked what factors they felt each quality would cover, as well as what they would regard as a 'good' or 'acceptable' standard for each and how they would evaluate these qualities in their local area.

Ipsos Scotland was commissioned by Glasgow City Council to conduct a series of eight large scale residents surveys in twice yearly waves. Each survey doubles as a recruitment exercise for the Glasgow Citizens Panel. The seventh survey in the series was completed in December 2006 and covered a range of topics including community engagement and citizenship, usage of and satisfaction with Council services, neighbourhood problems, the Glasgow Magazine and attitudes towards Young Scot / Kidz cards.

The public support the transfer of some services currently run by central government to local councils, with local government being seen as best placed to provide some services for local communities according to recent Ipsos research for Ernst and Young, UK.

BBC North East commissioned Ipsos Scotland to conduct this research two years on from the referendum in which people in the north east voted 'no' to regional government.

Holyrood Communications and Brodies commissioned Ipsos Scotland to conduct this research as part of a series of conferences that they are holding on the theme of public services and the local government elections in Scotland in May 2007.

Ipsos was commissioned to conduct the first corporate level survey of stakeholders who engage with Welsh Assembly Government officials. The survey sought to assess the current level and quality of engagement between officials in Assembly Government departments and their stakeholders. While the overall results were positive, key areas for improvement were identified.

Ipsos's latest research, conducted for the English Constitutional Convention, shows that there is increasing public support for England to have its own Parliament.

Ipsos Scotland was commissioned by Glasgow City Council to conduct a series of eight large scale resident's surveys in twice yearly waves. Each survey doubles as a recruitment exercise for the Glasgow Citizens Panel.