It was hardly surprising the EU referendum result should be the hot topic for debate in plenaries, fringes and the bars at last week's Local Government Association conference in Bournemouth.

Virtually every aspect of the Brexit vote, from immigration, cohesion and inequality to economic development and the meltdown at Westminster has a direct impact on local authorities. Indeed, communities secretary Greg Clark, in his speech on the first day of conference promised local government would have a seat at the Brexit negotiating table in order that its view should be considered in any future deal.