The Councils decision, about a year ago, to stop the estate worker maintenance system, has resulted in a noticeable decline in standards.

The old system – where an identified individual took responsibility for the appearance of communal areas in Council estates – worked reasonably well.

In an attempt to save money, the system was replaced using a couple of teams of mobile workers. They have struggled to maintain standards. The amount of litter on the streets has noticeably increased in many estates.

The Council didn’t need to make economies on the provision of this essential service.

The surplus on the Council housing account last year was £4 million and it has a current positive balance of over £24 million on the account.