Conservatives must earn their position to serve in Croydon, with tightly-fought elections. Labour expects to rule in Lambeth without any serious contest, getting away with ignoring local people and their legitimate concerns.
It is all too easy for local candidates to fall into the trap of wasting precious energy engaging in national debates. In reality, people care more about their waste collection and potholes.
More spending for the EU has meant sharper austerity for local government.