During the forthcoming elections, many politicians will be doing the door knocking routine, persuading voters of their best intentions on the NHS, defence, education and social care. But what about the local public services passed by politicians of all persuasions as they campaign? 

Local roads, street lighting, parks, the public realm, CCTV, leisure centres, swimming pools, even bins – all are maintained by councils, yet these neighbourhood services fall to the bottom of the funding pile. The national debate consistently ignores the services that are used most by our communities.