Thomas Kerr: The people of Scotland deserve a Council Tax freeze

Glaswegians have seen increases in their taxes – but no improvement in local services. This is why Conservatives are standing up for hard-working families.

Nick Rushton: Financial independence would allow councils to talk not of survival, but of real ambition

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.

Robert Alden: As the waste piles up in Birmingham, mull this dry run for a future Labour Government

Residents wondering when it will be collected will be able to vouch for the failure of the city’s testbed for a Corbyn administration.

Tom Bell: We should embrace a “digital-by-default” approach to make council services more efficient

Embracing technology can include smart bins to improve waste collection and electric vehicles to reduce running costs and improve air quality.

Meirion Jenkins: Birmingham is the largest metropolitan authority in Europe – and one of the worst-run.

The structure and management of the council needs total reform. I would reduce the current 101 councillors to around 30.

Judy Terry: Councillors are still too passive in allowing costly procurement and infrastructure projects

There remains a culture in much of the public sector that no-one will ever be held to account for wasting money on unworkable vanity projects.

Murad Gassanly: Why I left the Labour Party

The Conservatives are the natural political home for those who value national identity and are open to the world.

Gary Porter: It wouldn’t be Christmas…without the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement

It contained a number of positive announcements. The New Homes Bonus is particularly significant for shire districts.

Damian White: An independent report has found that four of the five most efficient councils in England are Conservative

In Havering, we have saved £79 million over the past four years. Yet we have improved the lives of the people we serve.

Judy Terry: While the state is failing, the voluntary sector is tackling the loneliness and anxiety – of young and old

Many if Suffolk are left isolated by poor transport. Charities are effective at helping, where councils and the NHS have struggled.

Tom Hunt: Ipswich needs a northern relief road – here is how we can win the campaign

My experience in Ely has shown me that it can be done – with tenacity, optimism and the broadest possible local backing.

What will the Budget mean for local government?

For councils – unlike others in the public sector – austerity has been real. It is ending. But planning powers are being diminished.

Mark Isherwood: The Welsh Government’s local budget settlement is rife with cronyism

Labour-run councils in Cardiff, Newport, and Neath Port Talbot see extra funding – while others have cuts imposed.

Nigel Wilcock: Councils need clarity on how they will be financed after 2020

More statutory activities are being forced on local authorities – without the extra money to pay for them.

Edward Smith: If you want to automate the public sector, don’t follow the lead of Enfield Council

£21.6 million has been spent on new equipment, software and consultants. Yet residents have had to spend hours trying to navigate the council’s website or waiting to be connected to the call-centre