Now that we have had time to digest the provisional local government finance settlement – as well as our Christmas dinners – it is becoming increasingly clear that while the extra funding announced is welcome, it – unlike most Christmas dinners – barely touches the sides and falls far short of what is required.

In the immediate aftermath of the Spending Review – at which an additional £4.8bn was made available over the next three years – I said the Government had merely fitted the sector with stabilisers.