The annual COSLA conference, which takes place in St Andrews this week, comes at a time when local government is once again facing the prospect of considerable change and a number of formidable challenges.

Many councillors are expected to stand down soon – some lured by the prospect of a severance payment and pension – at a time when radical changes to the electoral system are taking place as a result of the introduction of proportional representation. And several chief executives are also planning to take early retirement.