The public sector has remained resilient, despite the austerity measures, and two thirds of the public have not noticed a difference, according to pollster Ben Page.

Speaking at an event organised by interim recruitment firm, Odgers Interim, the chief executive of Ipsos MORI said 65% of people have not noticed a change in services from their council – but 30% said they would not be happy to accept less from their council to cut the national debt.