This week sees communities and local government secretary, Hazel Blears, announcing the first hints of what will be in the new White Paper. But, even before she has uttered a word on the subject, local government has largely written it off.
So, why is the Government legislating, when many aspects of the White Paper are already possible? If councils are creative enough, even now, they have massive flexibility, through wellbeing and other wide-ranging powers. No-one should know this more than former local government lawyer and councillor, Ms Blears.
The cynics among us are suggesting the political climate requires ministers to look as though they are working hard. But the vigour with which Ms Blears has thrown herself into this project would suggest her heart is in it, and this isn't just about going through the motions.
Cynics are also out in force when the talk turns to involving local people in local politics. Anything from community kitties to encouraging more people into local politics is an elusive prize local government has spent years searching for. It will require a seismic shift in society to work – but well worth it, if it does succeed. 
Finally, mayors seem to be raising their heads yet again. In the aftermath of the London elections, Boris Johnson may have won the contest, but the publicity and voter turnout was a victory for democracy. The temptation to push mayors again now may prove too much for ministers.
If councils still won't go for mayors, it will be a slap in the face for the minister – so one option would be for forced referenda. However, a more considered option would be to incentivise. The pay-off for political change could be more powers for councils in public services – such as Sir Simon Milton's call to be able to hire and fire police chiefs.
There are plenty of options which could be put on the table for this White Paper to be about more than just making the CLG look busy. For that to work, councils must put aside their cynicism and negotiate what they want in return for delivering Ms Blears' agenda. The potential could be a useful payoff.
Heather Jameson
Deputy editor, The MJ