As Britain’s town hall services crumble, the case for reform is overwhelming

Local government has been steadily squeezed by austerity, inflation and centralisation. Greater devolution is needed

In most of Britain's towns there are buildings hinting at a more prosperous past. Vast stone public libraries, swimming baths and theatres; all encircling the grand town halls that once controlled them. Many are long shut, converted or owned by someone else. But the symbolism remains - local government used to do stuff.

Today, England's councils are in the worst crisis since the foundation stones of these municipal palaces were laid.