The findings of a survey make grim reading for members and officers of Brighton and Hove City Council.

In most cases, people's perceptions of the council have declined sharply since a survey two years ago.

There's little doubt the main concern was refuse collection and street-sweeping, a service held in low esteem and rightly so.

The council has now made a determined effort to improve that by taking it under civic control and the early signs are this is working. But councillors should be worried many people believe it does not give value for money, doesn't take enough notice of what people think and does not have sensible policies.

This is mainly because the authority hasn't had a very good year. There have been constant difficulties over social services, travellers, waste sites and traffic.

Some good moves have been made, such as improving the enforcement of parking restrictions and banning street drinking in Kemp Town, but most people feel they have been outweighed by poor performance.

The ruling Labour group also gives an air of not really being in command of the council, partly because some members keep rebelling.

There are signs the council realises this and is pulling itself together with the help of new chief executive David Panter.

It should acknowledge the results of this survey and act swiftly on them, otherwise there will be even more cause for complaint next time.