The cost of living crisis makes this a tough time for the country and for district councils.

My authority, Breckland DC, is financially prudent, but inflation is hitting us hard. We are outside national pay agreements and face the dilemma of how much we can afford to pay our hard-working staff. Unions seek pay increases of up to 11% – but each 1% increase would cost my council around £100,000, leaving less money available to run services.