London boroughs, along with councils across the country, are facing some of the toughest years we have ever seen in local government. Funding reductions and rising pressures mean in the capital we will have to contend with a funding gap of £2bn – and an £800m social care shortfall by 2020.

Last month's Autumn Statement offered little hope of improvement, and despite some welcome announcements around housing, skills and health, it felt like something of a missed opportunity.