See It, Fix It

It should be quick and easy for residents to spot a problem, send it to their council, and get it fixed.

If you see a pothole, a broken sign or an overflowing bin, you should be able to report it in seconds and get a message when it’s sorted.

Rather than pushing people to download another app, councils could offer a simple WhatsApp number. Residents would take a photo of an issue and then send it ot that number, with the image automatically geo-tagged and the option to add a brief note or voice message if needed.

On the council side, reports would be automatically logged and triaged, with jobs grouped by area so they could be fixed in the most cost-efficient way possible.

Councils could also create an “Amazon/Uber-style” roster of vetted local handypeopl, either working as volunteers or paid a small fee per task, to expand capacity while keeping standards high and costs low.

Residents who report problems would receive confirmation when the job is done, including a photo as proof and a quick thank-you note from the council

This builds on the “broken windows” approach: fix small issues quickly to prevent wider decline and send a clear signal that places are cared for. It nudges everyone towards a practical, fix-it mindset.

It also drives accountability and gives councillors and MPs the evidence to hold officers to account.

There could also be a simple incentive scheme wehreby people who report or fix issues earn credits to redeem with local businesses such discounts at shops, cafés and restaurant, rewarding good citizenship and supporting the high street.

A low-cost, high-impact way for councils to tackle the little things that matter and for communities to help keep their places clean, safe and well-maintained.