This report from the Department for Communities and Local Government sets out the findings of a qualitative research programme undertaken by BMG Research to examine views and perceptions of local government. The research involved focus group discussions and workshops.For most people, “local authority service provision” means refuse collection and recycling, followed by leisure, sporting and recreational facilities, parks and keeping the streets clean. Awareness of the range of services provided by councils tended to be low. Over two in five respondents, 42%, are satisfied overall with the way in which their local authority runs things.

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COUNCILLORS GET THEIR OWN RADIO SHOW

A special radio programme is to be produced exclusively for local councillors to help and explain their role. Front line councillors will be asked to reveal their own stories in their own words. The programme is being launched by the Improvement and Development Agency.

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CALL FOR ACTION TO END ‘WALL OF RED TAPE’

A wall of red tape is still putting people off voluntary and community work a year after a report first identified the problem, according to a claim today from the Chief Executives of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action and Community Matters and the National Federation for Community Organisations, who have all expressed concerns about the lack of action.

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