Debates concerning local government finance and the need for transformation are dominated by ‘big ticket' statutory services, while devolution has become synonymous with metro mayors focusing on GDP growth and strategic infrastructure investment.

Much less talked about is how we transform or invest in ‘neighbourhood services' – the patchwork of local activities that bring people together and contribute to our collective quality of life. Many of these universal, open access services score highly when people are asked what they value, but fare badly in budget setting rounds.