Saba Salman

It's been helped by government.

So it's got this exceptional financial support so it can borrow money.

It's an absolute dire strait.

So that's an example of where I don't know what the solution is to any of those things apart from borrowing more money from government.

Right.

Thirty-odd councils now have had this handout from government.

That's right.

And while all that's going on, the pressure to provide those adult social care services and support and how all of that's still continuing.

So really, it's a pretty difficult picture out there.

I think certain reform councils are still peddling that myth of massive inefficiency.

You know, you have a statutory duty to look after people in your area who need support and that costs money.

People are living longer.

People need social care.

That is your responsibility.

You know, taking down the flag.

It's not going to bring the sums that you think it's going to bring.

And so therefore you have to raise council tax.

Absolutely.

Going with the private sector, whether that's through housing or schools.

I mean, housing is another one that we've covered a huge amount where a lot of councils are launching their own housing companies or regeneration companies and playing at being private sector players.