This week's Audit Commission report on charging, Positively charged, has done a fantastic job of telling the public what they ought to know – that council tax alone doesn't pay for services. In the run-up to setting budgets for the year, it is a useful way to tell taxpayers how councils are funded. It may even avoid the annual spat between central and local government – although all the signs point to an average 4% rise from obedient councils under the threat of capping. The report, and the accompanying survey, provide some tips for councils on the first half of one of local government minister John Healey's pet subjects – charging and trading. At first glance, it might appear that pollsters from Ipsos MORI perhaps don't frequent the same Clapham Omnibuses as the rest of us. The public don't mind charges? Really? But closer inspection reveals they don't actively want them. They're just indifferent to them. It's a green light to every authority to check their pricing policies for charges – and perhaps release a bit of much-needed cash. And surprisingly, the poll showed the public are broadly in support of waste charges – so long as they come with a cut in council tax to sweeten the blow. One would expect the public to support most charges, providing they were offered alongside lower council tax. So, there is good news for local authorities. They can meet the priorities of Mr Healey and DEFRA recycling targets with one charge, while, theoretically at least, not upsetting the electorate. One to introduce just after the elections, perhaps? Charging is not a panacea for all the ills of local government finance – but it may go part of the way to pacifying the public over council tax rises. The report comes to most of the same conclusions as the majority of reports in local government – have a clear strategy, and review it regularly, and check it is what the service-user wants, or at least will tolerate. But, most of all, make sure the public understand what you are doing, and why. As ever, communication is key. To paraphrase Billy Joel – and, indeed, the LGA's reputation campaign – just Tell them about it. Heather Jameson Deputy Editor, The MJ
