Just 9% of the public consider adult social care as a priority area of council improvement, despite the concern at rocketing costs within the sector, according to latest research by pollster, Ipsos MORI.

The public instead see activities for teenagers as the most important services for councils to improve, with 35% of respondents claiming youth facilities are key concerns. Job prospects – another area of concern for councils – came second with 34%, followed by the condition of roads and pavements (32%).