Councillors are trusted more than MPs and government ministers with local services, according to a new poll.
The poll, conducted by the Local Government Association (LGA), reveals that three in four people trust their local councillor more than their MP to make decisions about local services. Of those surveyed, 76% trust their local councillor the most, compared to just 9% trusting their MP and 6% trusting government ministers.
The survey also shows an increase in the percentage of people who trust their council most to make decisions about local service provision, up to 77% from 71% in October.
Cllr Peter Fleming, chair of the LGA'?s Improvement and Innovation Board, said: '?This polling highlights the high level of trust people have in their local councils and councillors when it comes to making decisions about their communities. Despite 40% cuts to council budgets since 2010 councils are trusted to take care of vulnerable children, provide social services and housing and run essential frontline services in their areas.
'?Local government is a highly trusted part of the public sector and central government should recognise this vote of confidence in councils by devolving more power to communities.?'
