Rachel Wolf: Tests for the delivery of levelling up, and levers with which to deliver it

It now needs to get real. This is clearly the plan in the next few months, starting with the Queen’s Speech tomorrow, leading to the Levelling Up paper. 

Alison Cork: Entrepreneurs can lead Britain’s recovery if we help them

I believe this is a moment of opportunity, when we should become a nation that champions people who start a business.

Andrew Laird: An early item for the new Chancellor’s inbox. Community Asset Funds.

The manifesto committed to encouraging local takeovers of civic organisations or community assets under threat – such as local football clubs, pubs or post offices.”

Judy Terry: Councils must be rigorous in ensuring Children’s Centres provide an effective service

In Suffolk, it is proposed to change the service to meet changing need, with a focus on sharing buildings and working with other organisations to maximise benefits.

Peter Craske: Libraries are booming in Bexley

Innovation has meant that our service has increased visitor numbers. 94 per cent of those who use it, rate it as good or very good.

Barry Lewis: The Conservatives are delivering for Derbyshire

A record number of 68,000 potholes were repaired in 2018. The new model will mean even better performance and efficiency in the future.

Steven Watkins: In Bedfordshire, we are boosting fitness and saving money

The co-location of libraries and leisure centres means lower maintenance costs. It also allows opening hours to be extended.

Tony Devenish: Seven practical messages for local authorities

Talk of being “cut to the bone” is nonsense. Here are some challenges councillors should be making about unnecessary spending.

Graham Jones: In West Berkshire, we will not shirk hard decisions for the sake of mushy populism

Despite our budget being cut, we have achieved bold reforms with libraries, children’s services, broadband roll out and business rates retention. We are open for business.

Councils have sold off 4,000 surplus assets in the past year. That is not nearly enough.

Far from being a loss to the community they are more often derelict buildings and surplus land which can be used for housing.

Sean Anstee: If you live in Trafford you will pay less than anywhere else in the north west

As Labour councils around us abolish libraries, we’re building new ones. We are working flat out to win the local elections. Our message is: “Keep moving forward.”

Judy Terry: Councils should warn elderly residents against scams

Vulnerable customers need to be safeguarded. Regular sessions using price comparison sites in local libraries would help.

Andrew Snowden: We are delivering our manifesto for the people of Lancashire

We are prudently managing the finances while filling potholes and re-opening libraries.

Tim Briggs: Lambeth, the once loony now ‘post-truth’ Labour borough

They push dishonest figures on homelessness and council funding – but the belief of Labour councillors in their own civic virtue remains constant.

Jane Scott: Joined up government is delivering for Wiltshire

A unitary council has meant huge savings – but we also work in partnership with the rest of the public sector.