Three-quarters of residents are satisfied with their local councils – the highest figure the LGA has ever recorded in its quarterly polling.
There were also significant increases in residents being satisfied with their local area (87 per cent positive); trusting their local authority (71 per cent); councils demonstrating value for money (57 per cent); acting on residents’ concerns (68 per cent); and keeping them informed (69 per cent).
In separate polling on satisfaction with councils’ response to the coronavirus pandemic, seven out of 10 people were ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ satisfied with the way their local council is supporting them, their household and local community through the crisis.
Roughly half said their local council was keeping them informed about COVID-19, and most said they trust the information they are receiving from it. A third think their local council/councillor is best placed to help their local area recover after the lockdown is over.
Cllr James Jamieson, LGA Chairman, said the LGA would use the figures to build the case for local democratic leaders to play a “bigger role”.
“Since the LGA was created more than 20 years ago, we have consistently made the case that bringing power and resources closer to people is the key to delivering better outcomes for communities and inclusive growth across the country,” he said.
“Councillors and their councils have the democratic mandate, expertise and local insights to change our communities for the better. We have shown that we can respond quickly and efficiently to be there for our communities in their time of need, and demonstrated our willingness to prioritise tackling this pandemic head on and to play an even bigger role in supporting national efforts.
“With the right powers, sustainable funding, and enhanced flexibilities, local government can build on the positives we have achieved in the past few months and ensure our communities prosper for the future.”