In February, elected members from across the country gathered in Warwickshire for the annual conference of the Conservative Councillors' Association.

Whilst the forthcoming general election was referenced by various government ministers who attended the conference, it remains much of an irrelevance to many of the councillors present, who are focused on serving the communities who have elected them.

Of course we all have our views on who we would prefer to win May's election, but does its outcome really matter to those of us with a passion for local public services? Whilst whatever party (or parties) form the next government will set the overall direction for where the UK goes between now and 2020, the reality is that whoever seizes the reins of power will be working within the necessity of austerity and an increasing consensus of local decision-making and community involvement.