We near the end of yet another really tough financial year. Councils across the country have set their 2024-25 budgets, many making cuts to key services and nearly every council taxing the maximum 5% tax rise. Councils in intervention are making even more difficult decisions - none more so than Birmingham and its 21% tax rises over two years and £300m of cuts.

Beyond the headlines there are a total of 19 councils who sought exceptional financial support to enable them to set their budget – these come in all shapes, sizes and geographies. Despite the crises in many councils, there is no easy answer. The fiscal headwinds don’t look any better – there was nothing in the March 6 Budget that should give room for complacency in local government (or any public service for that matter).