The ratification of the Local Government Finance Settlement was the culmination of positive advocacy. We should be mindful that the Government and ministers listened to our evidence-based submissions.

This funding is, of course, hugely welcome but clearly will only serve a short-term purpose. The County Councils' Network illustrated this in January – showing that, while this funding has reduced the network's projected funding gap for councils by almost £16bn, a funding shortfall of £19.1bn up to 2025 still exists.