This publication makes the wider point that institutions in all parts of the world are facing similar challenges as the rest of the world: a rapid ageing population, increased migration, environmental sustainability, dramatic economic changes, social cohesion, health and social care and the challenge of increasing citizen participation are concens common to all governments.  Whilst these pressures have been brought about by global trends, the effects are manifesting themselves most starkly at a local level and the extent to which policy-makers will be successful in responding to these  complex challenges will be dependent upon local flexibility and responsiveness.