On the surface of it this year's Autumn Statement would appear to have narrow relevance to local government, coming as it does after the confirmation of funding levels for the next two financial years.

However, the reality is that the next two years are make or break for many councils and the Chancellor has it in his power to either deliver a stable environment in which they can plan for the unprecedented challenges ahead, or he can deliver uncertainty and risk which will put even more stress on vital local services.