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SERVICE DELIVERY

Neighbourhood Guarantee: Can councils deliver the visible improvements residents want?

Ben Page says the Government's Neighbourhood Guarantee focuses on the everyday services residents notice most. But without sustained investment, engagement and communication, councils may struggle to turn improved services into public confidence.

(C) Ipsos

The new Neighbourhood Guarantee is entirely sensible. Cleaner streets, filled potholes and other basic public services are all key visible services that the public use to judge their local area – and their council.

Satisfaction with road maintenance has collapsed, with some councils' own surveys showing figures languishing in the teens. Pothole compensation claims submitted to local authorities have jumped 91% in three years – from 27,731 in 2021 to 53,015 in 2024.

Ben Page

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