The local government pension deal announced last week is a sensible compromise in which both employees and employers have a bit to lose and a bit to gain, while principles of a fair pension are maintained.

The Government, too, will be pleased to avoid more disruption, having already lined up a formidable array of enemies from doctors and police to teachers and nurses over changes to their pensions. It is unlikely that council chief officers and chief executives will follow the doctors and go on strike, even though they also face having to pay higher contributions and lose their treasured final salary pensions in favour of career average.