As The MJ Future Forum met in Warwickshire, the key message became apparent quickly: If you think its been tough, think again. Local government finances are going to get much, much worse.

For those who had breathed a sigh of relief at meeting their budget cuts for 2012-13, there is no let-up in sight. As Whitehall peels away the layers of expenditure, each stratum reveals another blow to council cuts.