'How to do more with less' - an old slogan which aptly describes the mounting pressure on local authorities as the recession bites. It is also the question at the centre of our new Recovery Network for local authorities.

Whilst some authorities and local government practitioners are facing the challenge head on, others are seeking to safeguard their service from detailed scrutiny and future changes. Andrea Hill, Chief Executive of Suffolk County Council, surmised it nicely for me at a CLG conference last week:
"Things local authority staff care about most during the recession:
1. How will it affect me? Will my job be safe?
2. How will it affect me? Will my job be safe?
3. How will it affect me? Will my job be safe?"

But bunkering down to weather the storm simply won't work given the scale of this recession and future cuts in public spending. Efficiency savings made by chopping 5 per cent from every budget are a start, but seem woefully inadequate in the face of early predictions about the next CSR settlement and local government revenues.

Innovation in frontline service provision is essential. The depth of the recession will require imaginative and rapid responses (for example to creating work, using empty buildings or keeping small firms afloat) supported by investment.

Local authorities are beginning to take a critical look at the services which have previously defined the role of local government (see Brent's example) and are asking tough questions: What is essential to a local authority's identity? How can services be retained, reformed or even removed?

With bold questioning and action, local government may end up looking very different in five years time.