Difficulty decisions are needed. But a funding floor for councils would make a transition to a fairer and simpler system politically acceptable.
Counties are the most exposed to financial pressures, but the least resourced to deal with them. Rural residents are getting a raw deal.
We can offer so much to the nation. Growing our local economies in a post-Brexit landscape; genuinely integrating health services; ensuring that we build the homes and infrastructure we need.
Despite money being tight we are funding the infrastructure improvements that are needed.