Google ranks Yorkshire’s councils as reviewers leave scathing messages
Sheffield City Council received the lowest Google rating among Yorkshire councils included in a recent comparison, with reviewers commonly criticising phone access and council services. The ratings matter because they appear beside council contact details in Google searches and may shape residents’ expectations.
Researchers reviewed Google Maps listings for council headquarters or main customer service centres on 8 October. Of 382 UK councils, 108 met the minimum threshold of 100 reviews; Sheffield averaged 1.84 stars from 222 reviews, including 168 one-star ratings. Doncaster was Yorkshire’s highest-rated council at 2.37 stars from 195 reviews. Sheffield says it has introduced five customer standards and plans to include Google reviews in its customer insight work.
In short
- Sheffield City Council had Yorkshire’s lowest included Google rating.
- Its 222 reviews averaged 1.84 stars.
- The council says new standards will guide service improvements.
Explained simply
Google reviews are public ratings and comments attached to places on Google Maps, including council offices and customer service centres. People may see them when searching for a council’s contact details, so they can influence what residents expect before getting in touch.
Yorkshire’s councils provide local services and handle enquiries from residents, but their Google listings reflect the views of people who choose to leave a review. Sheffield City Council says it has introduced five customer standards and plans to use Google reviews as part of its work to understand residents’ experiences.