As the new Government starts to make decisions, local government waits with bated breath. The Budget may tell us more. How much has really changed? There are more devolution deals, but will there be any more money in any meaningful way?

The 1.5 million new homes Labour has promised – around 25,000 every month for the rest of this parliament – looks punchy. Local authorities are pleased with multi-year funding settlements proposed but clear direction, and a larger, well-trained planning workforce are fundamental. The building industry itself would like some skilled extra workers so it can double its output as well – this extra capacity will not be switched on overnight – making the targets even tougher.