Only six per cent of people questioned in a survey thought most council services in Brighton and Hove were good.

Most of those contacted by Lib Dems were not satisfied with key services such as rubbish collection and street sweeping.

They wanted to see improved recycling schemes and a more pro-active approach to dealing with waste.

Only 23 per cent felt the council was good at consultation.

Twenty-seven per cent said parking enforcement was better since the council took it over from the police in July.

There was strong support for the service to be operated by the council rather than a private company.

Most people did not feel safe going out at night and wanted to see more money spent on bobbies on the beat.

The majority were satisfied with the bus services and most wanted to see a better cycle lane network.

The survey showed 79 per cent thought all decision-making meetings of the council should be open to the public.

Lib Dems sent out survey forms all over the city and received more than 400 replies.

Group leader Paul Elgood said: "The findings show things can only get better.

"We have a good and robust size sample and the message is clear. The council is failing to deliver on its key functions and services."

Councillor Elgood said that as the mayoral referendum, city status and council merger issues were all settled, the authority should concentrate on its core functions.

These were the effective delivery of services and making the council open and accessible.

The Lib Dems are publishing the report and sending 1,000 copies to residents, businesses and community groups.