People in Wales most satisfied with their neighbourhood but want improvement to roads and health services

THE polling organization IPSOS has conducted a poll on what the public across the UK would like improving in their local area. The results cover nine of the English regions, Scotland and Wales.

People in Wales were the most satisfied with their neighborhood (83%) with the overall figure for the UK being 75%. East and West Midlands, Scotland, and Greater London  were the least satisfied recording a satisfaction rate below the UK average.

There were diverging views towards their local council’s actions to improve their area. Wales was fourth in the table with 36% of respondents satisfied and 21 % dissatisfied.  The South West, Greater London, and the South East being most satisfied with Scotland the least satisfied on 26%. The UK figures were 34% satisfied and 31% dissatisfied.

Only one in four of UK respondents think their local council provided good value for money. Again Wales was fourth in the table with 27% believing that they get good value from council services but 38% considered they received poor value. Again Scotland was bottom of the league with only 18% considering they got good value and 43% poor value.

Half the UK respondents prioritise improvement to the conditions of roads and pavements for their local area followed by affordable housing (39%); health services (37%); town centers and local cost of living both (36%); cleanliness of streets (34%); crime and anti-social behavior (32%) and support for those living in poverty and homelessness (31%).

Sport leisure services and cultural facilities were at the bottom of the priority list on 17%.

When asked what most needed improvement in their local area Welsh respondents highlighted the condition of the roads (60%); health services 49%; town centers 40%; public transport 37%; local cost of living and affordable housing 38% and public transport 37%.

There was a fairly negative response on the question do people think their local councillor and MP tell the truth all or most of the time. Only three in ten of respondents gave a favourable response