Last year was another memorable year in local government, further demonstrating the sector's ability to lead challenging agendas and commit to innovation, even in the most trying circumstances.

These skills will once again be tested over the next 12 months following one particularly-important milestone from the last year – publication of the Government's White Paper on adult social care and support and, alongside it, the draft Care and Support Bill and the Government's response to the Dilnot Commission's report.