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.

Ed Vaizey: Labour’s cynical game. First they close libraries. Then they blame others.

They are using them as a tool for their campaign about public finances.

Judy Terry: Suffolk shows how libraries can thrive as social enterprises

The next challenge is relocation.

Libraries are being ruined by technology

In library systems around the world, physical books are disappearing in their millions to be replaced by e-books.

John Bald: Cambridgeshire shows there is no excuse to close libraries

Spending on libraries has fallen by £2 million but the number of visits is up.

Open-plan offices and the conspiracy against silence

It’s as if those who rule us can’t bear to hear their own thoughts

Technology alone won’t bring about a new era of smart government

The public sector isn’t doomed to technological failure, but cultural hang-ups must be overcome

As council spending goes down services improve

Budgets remain hugely bloated