There is consensus that local government has struggled to fund its services in England in recent years. Recent interventions and proposals from Government have been welcomed – a boost in funding in the provisional local government finance settlement; the announcement of multi-year financial settlements; statement and consultation on a revised fair funding review; the establishment of an independent local audit office; the creation of new local-national bodies (a Council of the Nations and Regions, a Mayors' Council, and a local authority Leaders' Council) to improve relations between local and central government.

However, while these changes are likely to result in better value for money, they only shore up the existing system, fixing the leaks in the roof and completing initiatives paused under the previous Government. New, alternative ways of thinking and alternative voices are needed.