Some regard it as a trivial issue. But the voters do not agree. A comprehensive, national, free graffiti removal service could make a big difference.
The Conservatives gained a seat from a residents association in Uttlesford. But the Conservatives lost a seat to Labour in Cannock Chase.
Rather than a gimmicky new layer of Government it would have been better to adopt a more localist approach of handing powers to existing local authorities.
These changes would be resisted by the trade unions – understandably as it would render them pretty irrelevant. But their members would be empowered.
The Truss premiership proved a false dawn for free marketeers. But there is still an opportunity for the fortunes of Britain and the Conservative Party to revive.
In the final result of the year, the Conservatives gained a seat from Labour in Redcar & Cleveland.
The Lib Dems gained a seat from the Conservatives in Test Valley and a seat from an independent in South Kesteven.
They should have greater powers to sort out necessary repairs and then be reimbursed for the cost. The state has routinely proved to be the ultimate rogue landlord.
The Conservatives gained a seat in South Holland from an independent and a seat from Labour in Dumfries & Galloway. The Lib Dems gained a seat from the Conservatives in North Devon. Labour gained a seat from the Conservatives in Brighton and Hove.
The Lib Dems gained seats from the Conservatives in Waverley and in Norfolk. Labour gained a seat from the Conservatives in Southampton.
Labour gained a seat from the Conservatives in Bassetlaw. The Lib Dems gained a seat from the Conservatives on the Isle of Wight.
Rather than eroding that protection, it should be strengthened. There should be more power to challenge excessive spending.
Labour gained a seat from the Conservatives in Blackpool and another seat from the Conservatives in Blackburn with Darwen.
Labour gained seats from the Conservatives in Braintree and Burnley. The Lib Dems lost a seat to a residents group in Kingston.
The Conservatives gained a seat from the Lib Dems in South Cambridgeshire. But the Conservatives lost seats to an independent in Nottinghamshire, to Labour in Lichfield and to the Lib Dems in Wiltshire.