Change, as we all know, is constant and unrelenting. There are moments when it is almost imperceptible and others when shifts are clearly signalled. And there are moments when the specifics of particular changes are still up for grabs.

This week's State Opening of Parliament might signal an opportunity for local government to help shape how this new administration frames it programme. Although the King's Speech describes the government's ambitions, our sector must use the months before the all-important autumn budget and the subsequent spending-round decisions to shape the specific policies that will affect the space in which local councils operate.