Many of our readers will no doubt have views on the Taxpayers Alliance (TPA) and some may even be printable, so hats off to the leader of North East Lincolnshire Council who invited a representative of the organisation in to spend a day with him.

Cllr Chris Shaw threw the gauntlet down to TPA national grassroots co-ordinator Andrew Allison after an interview on local radio last month. Mr Allison sat in on a range of meetings, including a scrutiny liaison group and a briefing with local MPs. According to local newspaper reports, the day went well with both men describing it as constructive and worthwhile.