In the run-up to the Spending Review, communities secretary Greg Clark made a valiant effort at the County Councils Network conference to make a speech without saying much, in the way that only a good politician can...but there were a few hints at what could be the shape of things to come.

Obviously, the key message on cash was clear – there is none. However, there could be a silver lining for counties and unitaries, in the shape of social care budgets.