Like many council chief executives I waited with fear and dread of what announcements would be made in the Spending Review. I wondered how recent world events and the decisions made by government to increase defence and intelligence spending would impact upon local government.

I was fascinated as the chancellor began to deliver a series of announcements which indicated a change in strategy in eroding the public spending deficit gap. It would be easy for the uninitiated to breathe a sigh of relief and believe that the worst was over. In the districts need to understand the detail, as it is clear that we will continue to be expected to drive out efficiencies and savings.