Ed Balls today called on every Government minister and shadow minister to familiarise themselves with the bleak situation outlined in this week's Local Government Association funding report - so that Britain can build a consensus on how to overcome the challenges.

Addressing LGA delegates in Birmingham on 28 June, Mr Balls praised Smith Square's work in outlining the extent of the financial challenges facing local frontline service providers during a period of public austerity, rising service costs and changing demographics.