As we settle into 2026, world events and political upsets seem to multiply daily.
In our own world, the latest numbers from the Ipsos Veracity Index – published last month – make for sobering reading. Trust in local councillors has dropped 10 points to 30%, the lowest score since tracking began in 2006.
This collapse in trust neatly mirrors ministers' plans to slash councillor numbers under reorganisation, hollowing out local democracy just as faith in it ebbs away.
But ironically, while 30% is a historic low for councillors, it remains double the 14% who trust government ministers.
In the eyes of the public, local government is still the ‘least worst' part of the state, but it definitely feels under siege. Something has to give.
Why the drop in trust? It is classic hygiene factors biting back. Polling consistently shows that while waste collection satisfaction holds up – just – the mood on road maintenance has collapsed, with satisfaction in some councils' own surveys languishing in the teens.
Visible services are how most people judge councils and social care is invisible to most.
Context matters, too. The MJ's recent headlines tell a story of a sector under siege: districts ‘in the dark' on funding, staff reeling from restructuring plans and confusion surrounding government grey belt planning reforms. Residents pick up on this.
The public knows the national system is broken, they are now starting to suspect the local one is too.
Keeping our remaining credibility will require more than just balancing the books, it will require a level of candour and engagement with residents that we have rarely seen before.
It can be done – and ironically, the ‘digital Somalia' we all now inhabit online can help – but it will need energy and bravery.
Ben Page is a visiting professor at King's College London
