Last week's General Election has left local government awaiting a vision for its future from a new Government with a majority of 80 seats. Will it be seen as a key partner working to develop a shared ambition of post-austerity policies designed to rebuild local areas and local communities? Or will it be seen as a merely a local administrator for matters decided within Westminster?

We will hopefully see some answers when the Prime Minister outlines his programme for Government in the Queen's speech.