As the Commission on Local Government Finance launches its interim report this week, chair of the commission, Darra Singh, has put forward the initial findings.

Combined authorities are, it seems, the preferred method of devolution delivery – although he was clear that county regions are also an option for non-metropolitan areas.

But one of the things that struck me most was Darra’s assertion that there has been a ‘resurgence in confidence in local government’ since the current finance system was created. So, is local government’s reputation on the up?