Politics

Britons are among the most negative about the economy in the world according to January's Economic Global Pulse from Ipsos' Global @advisor, online research conducted in 24 countries.

More than two thirds (68 per cent) of people in the UK think that this is a bad time to buy real estate according to the latest findings by Ipsos.

There has been a lot of discussion about the Big Society, but what is actually happening in local communities?

As Hogmanay approaches, sccording to our latest Scottish Public Opinion Monitor, most Scots (58%) do think there should be an increase in the price of at least some types of alcohol.

Empowering local communities to shape local areas has been a goal of central government for the past decade, for some essential to the success of Big Society, and so it was unsurprising to read about it in the new the Localism Bill.

Concern about education increases in the wake of the student protests, though the economy and unemployment remain the two most important issues.

We've been waiting with bated breath for the new Localism Bill, finally published on Monday, 13 December. Not a lot of surprises in there - we've known for some time of the desire of Eric Pickles and co. to "fundamentally shake up the balance of power in this country".

The Reuters/ Ipsos December Political Monitor shows Liberal Democrat support continuing to fall, while backing for Labour and the Conservatives remains largely unchanged.

Ben Page, Chief Executive of Ipsos, discusses how local councils must communicate their value for money in order to see satisfaction levels rise.