When the CLG finally, finally, feels able to release the results of the 'Place survey' data from last year, it will tell a salutary tale. Despite considerable improvements in efficiency and effectiveness - as measured by inspectorates - overall ratings of local government will be down markedly, with average satisfaction levels likely to be around 46% - down on the 51 % level of 2006, itself a fall from 2003.The surveys took place at the tail end of 2008, with problems over children's social care hitting the deadlines, but the problem local government now faces is far more structural than that. Haringey is by no means the worse-rated London borough. What the Place surveys show is that there are some authorities which can buck the downward trend -Hackney and Hammersmith & Fulham both have seen rises. Yet most are being dragged down by ongoing challenges over communications - ratings on this feature are not good -and even more importantly, on value for money.
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