Short-term decisions that look like they save money may be storing up costs for the future. Dan Corry appeals for the sector to hold candid debate on how, where and in what way it will move forward

When distinguished Conservative leader of the LGA and former leader of Kensington and Chelsea RLBC, Sir Merrick Cockell says that local authorities will offer little more than a skeleton service, providing few services beyond social care and rubbish collection by the end of the decade if projected cuts to local government continue, we know that something is going on as a result of decisions being made by central government about spending.