Harry Fone: Reserves should be used to limit Council Tax rises. If this isn’t a “rainy day”, what is?

Plus: Why are Police and Crime Commissioners asking for more money for keyrings and stress balls?

Harry Fone: £255 million a year is spent on councillor allowances. That is where the economy drive should begin.

Plus: White elephants in Brighton – and Nottingham’s inept venture into the energy market.

Harry Fone: Bristol is consulting on a Council Tax rise. But will it take any notice of the response?

Plus: Stoke cuts bloated management. Would Thatcher have approved of £100,000 of public funds for her statue?

Harry Fone: How to avoid Croydon’s fate

Councils should only enter into the investment world if they know what they’re doing. They must remember that public money is at serious risk.

Harry Fone: Sheffield City Council employs 24 press officers

Residents want low taxes and regular bin collections, not big PR budgets and regular spin.

Harry Fone: Local councils “cut to the bone?” Not if our Town Hall Rich List is anything to go by.

In the last financial year, there were over 500 council employees earning more than the Prime Minister.