From speaking to colleagues across the local government sector in advance of the Spending Review, the overriding feeling was one of trepidation. All the indications were that, with the tight fiscal environment facing the chancellor, local government was in for another disappointing outcome.

In this context the announcement of an extra £4.8bn over the next three years for councils was significant, certainly exceeding expectations. I do not think anyone is under the illusion this will address all the existing funding pressures, the financial constraints of the last decade still loom large, but it could have been much more painful.