On the surface, David Cameron's tortuous negotiations with the EU appear to have little to do with local government's remit. Yet in six months' time UK voters could make a decision that will directly affect generations for decades ahead. Naturally, the socio-economic implications of staying in the EU or leaving have relevance to council leaders, councillors, their staff and residents.

The question is, once the referendum date is set, what should local authorities' role be? As facilitators of debate or as campaigners? Should a council cabinet take a view on the merits of membership? Should the Local Government Association (or indeed the County Councils' Network, SIGOMA and the District Councils Network) canvas its member authorities for their views on the EU and then state an opinion, just like other associations such as the CBI have made their views known? Or is local government to remain silent on the most important decision on the EU in 40 years?