In a fortnight’s time, the Spending Review will shape the future of our public services for a decade. Councils are under no illusion about the challenges that lie ahead. We know that if the Treasury makes the mistake of trying another 40% reduction to core council funding from government in the Spending Review it would leave councils facing £20bn in funding reductions and increased cost pressures by the end of the decade.

We need to find a new way of working that ensures public money is controlled by local areas who know how best to spend it. We are working closely with communities secretary Greg Clark and his team to provide the evidence to help him win this argument with the Treasury. That is why it is right that the Spending Review prioritises the radical devolution of power within England. It has to be about spending smarter, not about spending less.