Decentralisation represents a huge opportunity for councils to lead the transformation of public services locally. The Public Service Transformation Network, a collaboration between Whitehall and town halls, is demonstrating what can be achieved with a ‘whole-place' approach.

In West Cheshire, for example, that means the Work Ready Individuals project co-ordinates skills and employment services with support for health, drug, alcohol and housing problems. It has successfully helped 500 people find jobs, saving £18.6m.