Managing shocks and facing the reality of decreasing resources is increasingly becoming routine for local government, both in the UK and many other European countries. But are local governments equipped to face these financially difficult times?

Recent research conducted by an international team of academics from the University of Essex, Freiburg University, Alpen Adria University, Nottingham Business School and the University of Bergamo explored what makes a difference in local government financial resilience – the ability to anticipate and cope with financial shocks.