Councils have proved their worth as deft administrators and problem-solvers during the last two years of unprecedented strain faced by communities. Central government turned to the sector to get billions in coronavirus support cash out quickly to vulnerable individuals and businesses.

Concerned to protect households from rising energy bills, chancellor Rishi Sunak swooped in with an announcement of a £200 loan. Alongside that he has handed local government the job of both distributing a cash payment of £150 to council tax payers in bands A-D from April to further offset the increase, and issuing £144m in discretionary funding to support those in need and on low incomes not eligible for the payment.