It is true, as highlighted by the recent interview with Rob Whiteman and Martin Reeves, a bolder, more radical approach is needed to build a sustainable model of funding for local government.

Transformation, let alone salami slicing budgets is no longer sufficient to meet the funding challenges. This is particularly pressing, given that 2020 is fast approaching when retention of the also headline hitting business rates replaces revenue support grant. However, I am convinced that to meet the challenge, we must seek solutions across public services, not simply local government.