As expected, the Autumn Spending Review brought with it new challenges for local authorities, not least of which was a further 24% real term reduction in central government funding, according to the LGA. But it also added further impetus to the growing sense of independence in the sector.

The retention of business rates, new powers to keep the full proceeds of property disposals and the prospect of new devolution deals, all point to much more autonomy in how local authorities respond to the need for further efficiency savings. As communities secretary Greg Clark put it, in this very publication, more than ever before the local government is now ‘in charge of its own destiny'.