As you will have noticed there's an election coming. It currently looks like being a 'war of the weak' with Labour's lead gradually reducing, but no real rise in Conservative support. The rise of 'others' - UKIP and the SNP - has created more uncertainty than ever as to likely outcomes. The Tories maintain a handsome lead on running the economy, and David Cameron is far more liked than Ed Miliband, but overall they remain the most disliked party. Even the fact that half of Labour voters are dissatisfied with Miliband is not enough to make many of them switch to the blue half. In all this local government bravely soldiers on, muddling through. It has managed to maintain satisfaction levels - except for adult social care, and roads. Our latest poll on priorities shows the state of our roads and pavements is seen as the biggest single area for improvement - 41% mention it, up from 32% in 2012. Only 13% think adult social care needs fixing - but that is because most people don't use it, and some who do are confused as to who provides it. In terms of what happens after May next year, Labour's plans to integrate social care and NHS services offer clarity in a system where 45% think local government runs at least part of the NHS, but also poses a huge risk if the public find out who to blame.
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