Has local government ‘mended its roof’ during the good times so that it’s now ready to meet the challenges of harder times ahead? Cameron’s challenge to Brown on this issue has led to a major debate between the parties. With Labour pointing out that they have literally been mending many roofs with the amount of new investment in public buildings and services over last years and the Conservatives arguing t as a counter that the state of public finances is poor. But underlying the issue is a broader question: are we prepared for a recession? Can local government provide that ‘shield’ for their communities that leading local government figures suggest will be key? How well placed is local government to cope with these big shifts in context and environment. CPA scores- with their internal and narrow focus- tell us virtually nothing useful in answer to these challenges. Partnership arrangements, that look good on paper, may collapse as the going gets tougher. Leadership and vision are going to be the key ingredients for a successful local government response to the current crisis. Is local government up to the challenge?