Local government is compelled to focus on the immediate problems – the impact of the cuts of the last decade can't be forgotten. Longer-term issues that require investment need to be considered before they creep up and get past the point where they are unresolvable.

Looking at revenue, the announcements in the Spending Review were welcome, with £4.8bn additional grant over three years, plus the ability to raise a further £3.7bn through council tax and precepts over the period. Looking at the pressures on the sector with rising demand, inflation, pay increases and the impact of the national insurance rise, this equates to, at best, a standstill position.