The Association for Public Service Excellence's (APSE) Local Government Commission had plenty to say on structures, democracy and accountability, without coming out on either side. This may sound like a bit of a fudge, and if the truth be told, it was for the sake of unity. But a far more pressing issue dominated discussions – that of outcomes.

Many councils found that being able to make change happen is inadvertently restricted by the complexity of contracts and partnerships, aiming to satisfy multiple stakeholders.