This year’s edition of Government at a Glance measures the performance of governments in the OECD’s 34 member countries through more than 50 indicators ranging from hospital waiting times to government spending; from public sector employment to procurement policies.

The report finds that, despite diminishing trust in national government, citizens are generally pleased with the many public services they receive locally in their daily lives.

According to the report Between 2007 and 2012, confidence in national governments declined from 45% to 40% on average, making it difficult for national authorities to mobilise support for necessary reforms. For instance, on average 72% of citizens considered themselves satisfied with health care, and 66% were satisfied with the education system. The report also highlights the persistent gender gap in the public sector: women still occupy only 40% of middle management and just 29% are represented in more senior posts.

Cofidence has declined in countries hit by the crisis such as Ireland, Spain, Belgium and Portugal. In other countries, however, confidence in government increased, notably in the Slovak Republic, Israel, the United Kingdom, Poland, France, Switzerland, Germany, and Sweden.

The indicators in Government at a Glance provide international comparisons and trends in eight broad areas: strategic governance; public finance, budgeting practices; public sector pay and employment; women in government; public procurement; open and inclusive government and quality and accessibility of public services.