Local policy, and the creation of local, tailored interventions. That is the future as outlined in the new local government White Paper.

However, the paper is only the latest in a series of national drivers which mean the ability of councils to develop finely-tuned, place-specific policy responses has never been more important. Within this context, and via CLES's work across the country, we find many policy officers, corporately or in service departments, doing a good job, but under pressure. In some smaller local authorities, policy teams are increasingly challenged by the range of skills, expertise and knowledge required. Furthermore, in many instances, the pressure is not about specific skills, but is having a broad knowledge, from different contexts – knowing what works, why it works and how it can be applied. And this pressure is unlikely to let up, as the trend for greater flexibility accelerates.