If there is one thing we can all learn from the last few years in local government, it is that any prediction we make about the shape and scope of our sector at the beginning of the year is certain to be overtaken by a new agenda for change by the time December comes.

There is one certainty which applies to every council in the 12 months ahead which is: we have no chance of moving to new models of delivery of public services without the right people willing to do the right jobs.