This week sees further evidence that George Osborne's work to balance the books is harder than ever: whoever wins in 2015, we now look like facing a retrenchment that continues till at least 2020.

Some will embrace it – most people, while supporting the welfare state (92%), also disagree that it works well (63%). Local government has its part to play in preparing for this new world, while the politicians fight over scroungers and skivers.