What Conservative council leaders told us about the virus, Ministers – and lockdowns

Most said they had enough money. There was praise for Local Government Ministers – but exasperation with the Government overall.

Switching to more unitary authorities and directly elected mayors must be achieved by consent

There can be benefits to democracy – and efficiency from reform. But change must come from below – not be imposed from the top.

Chris Criscione: Financially reckless councils are the exception, not the rule

It would be wrong for the Government to restrict the independence of local authorities to decide on borrowing and commercial investment.

Greig Baker: Council borrowing was meant to fund public works improvements – not speculative investments

As things go belly up, profligate local authorities will look to taxpayers across the country to bail them out. More accountability is needed.

Meghan Gallacher: The Scottish Government must deliver a recovery plan for councils

The SNP has been flippant and left local authorities in a precarious position. We need proper funding to make localised decisions.

Meirion Jenkins: The lack of democratic accountability in Birmingham is worse than ever

Labour wants a new tax that would add extra cars and pollution to some of the areas where air quality is already the worst in the City.

Martin Thacker: How we froze the Council Tax in North East Derbyshire

We remain steadfast in our resolve to put the welfare of every resident first and foremost.

Eric Pickles: Flexibility is needed for those falling behind in paying Council Tax

Rules should be changed to help the hard-pressed, facing a visit from the bailiffs – and caught in a spiral of worsening debt.

David Williams: A focus on localised growth is needed for recovery

As county areas are so diverse, with differing areas having particular needs, strengths, and weaknesses, a one-size-fits-all approach will not work

Stephanos Ioannou: Ending weekly bin collections in Enfield ignores the wishes of residents

Conservatives have identified savings that would allow the service to be restored.

David Bittlestone: My ambition to provide the extra housing that Woking needs

We have a scheme to help our tenants with deposits, to boost home ownership.

Local authorities do not have the power to stop academies reopening

Plus: councils will not go bust – and restrictions are to be eased on eating al fresco.

Paul Mercer: Local government enters the Zoom era

Homeworking can make council staff more productive. It also means we can manage with less office space.

Barry Lewis: Local government will never return to business as usual

In Derbyshire, we have learnt to have a confident approach, not one wrapped in overly cautious, bureaucratic, risk-averse practice.

Warwick Lightfoot: Central Government has no choice but to protect Council finances

Local authorities have responsibility for important and complex public services. Yet they have a limited tax base.