The review explores what people want, need and expect from public services, drawing together Ipsos MORI’s historical data across all key public service areas. In particular, it shows that the public remains deeply worried about postcode lotteries and concerned that greater local control and choice will benefit the more advantaged. Moreover, while people favour the idea of being involved in the design of services in affecting local spending priorities and in local decision making, most do not personally get involved in practice. This presents real challenges for decision-makers, since as Paul Buddery and Henry Kippin from the 2020 Public Services Trust point out in their introduction:
‘Without properly understanding what the public want and value, and how they relate to today’s services, it will be impossible to design services for tomorrow that fit the lives they live, and develop the capabilities they need to fulfill their aspirations. Ipsos MORI’s evidence should be of interest to anyone concerned about the meaning and impact of public services today, and their democratic reform in the future.’
