We are in the process of moving hose, and having had a few jobs done around the place before moving in, we came into contact with a number of council departments and organisations we seldom interact with.

Well, my wife did anyway.

The Revenue's section were pleased to point out the council tax benefits available, as our new property was unfurnished and unoccupied for a few weeks, whilst the work was carried out.  Efficient, helpful, all done with ease and no stress.

We telephoned the tax office to advise them of our change of address, and within a few days new notices came through the door.  Same with the DVLA regards the car. Driving licence, passports, water and utilities, no problems there either.

We had no idea of the refuse collection days, but a quick visit to the council's website told us exactly when, and with numerous trips back and forth to the household waste recycling centre, the county's website proved very useful too, as did the staff who helped us unload.

We were not sure about the type of future development in the area, that wasn't known by our solicitor, but a call to the planning office (and a visit to their website) gave us details about the ‘Local Plan'.

We had already contacted our county council authority prior to the sale, with regards catchment areas for schools and elderly care for the father-in-law, both efficient and dedicated to helping us make the right life choices for our extended family into the future.

We now know the importance of ensuring the correct building control permissions are planned for and gained in any major structural works, though I was surprised at how many local builders tried to side track the use of this unsung department.

My wife is not a great fan of politics or the world of councils, and is always telling me about a lack of public toilets, unfilled pot holes, broken play equipment, dog mess on pavements, any obstacle that gets in the way of her and the children's progress to any point (I know she only does it to spur me on).

But she hadn't realised just how important it all actually is, and how it effortlessly these services tick along in the background, ready when you need it.  She even went as far as saying that her council tax was being well spent.

I am still in shock.

As for our TV, broadband and telephone services, well that's a different saga altogether.  My wife has suggested local councils run them, but that's after we clear up the dog mess, fill the see-saw …..

Lawrence Conway is chief executive of South Lakeland DC