For many in local government and the wider public sector, there is unlikely to be much time to take a break and clear one's mind of work related issues. The pressures of austerity, Brexit uncertainty, social housing standards, social care, health inequalities, air pollution and so much more don't conveniently take a long vacation over August.

However, it is important that local government political and executive leaders do take time out from time to time to refresh and to reflect. I hope that many will be able to do so over the next couple of months, or at other times.