The Government's review of business rates is causing a bit of a stir. Only a small number of local authorities will be in a position to buy themselves out of the business rates system if this is what the Governments' intention is.

This, on top of buying ourselves out of the HRA subsidy system, which will create an enormous additional local government debt. All this at a time when our resources are being squeezed and we are desperately trying to ensure our services to local people remain good value.