Of course, the biggest achievement is the fact the LGA has survived despite all predictions to the contrary in the early days. The association is like a bumblebee – it shouldn't be able to fly but it does. The feat of trying to speak with one voice across different political groups, different types of authority and different geographies – often with competing needs and priorities – should not be underestimated.

Every few years there looks to be a crisis, as one group or another threatens to leave, but so far there has been a remarkable consistency in maintaining membership, despite councils' tough financial position. Ultimately, while authorities may get frustrated at aspects of the association, the sector is the better for it.