Council chiefs have questioned the value of taking part in the DCLG-led community budgets network, just days after the prime minister wrote to local authorities encouraging them 'to seize the moment'.

Prime minister David Cameron wrote to authorities interested in joining the Public Service Transformation network on 16 May stating: 'We want to mobilise your passion for change and encourage you to get your partners together and press ahead with our plans. There is no need to wait for central government. Seize the opportunity.'