It sometimes feels like everything I've written over the past few years has begun with the same argument: there is no money, demand is rising and becoming more complex – times are tough so let's work out what needs to change.

However, in my first piece as chief executive of Collaborate I want to flip this narrative on its head and talk about why we should be optimistic about local public services, and the communities we serve. Collaborate works with councils and other local partners across the country that are taking the art of the possible as their starting point and building from there. While the need to respond in new ways to the tough operating environment is often one reason why places want to work with us, it is very rarely the only driver for change.