Two weeks (possibly...) until Brexit. It could be the title of a blues song, which given how much it is depressing me, would be entirely appropriate.

Many local government leaders will no doubt have the same feeling, as reflected in The MJ’s recent article on ‘The final countdown’ (News Analysis, 21 Feb) which identified some of the key issues facing councils on Brexit. The fact is that, for many years, local authorities have become accustomed to trying to deliver more services with diminishing resources. And then, as an added bonus (or thump on the back of the head) along comes Brexit.