LGA's Richard Kemp defends council from Eric Pickles
The vice chair of the Local Government Association claims Eric Pickles "tries to trash local government" and the communities secretary is trying to fight old battles.
Richard Kemp, also the leader of Liberal Democrats on Liverpool City Council, said authorities can't follow government advice to save money by shaving salaries and cutting chocolate biscuits - as they have not had them for 25 years.
The panel was discussing Liberal Democrat and Conservative relations as some Lib Dems are unhappy with the level of cuts.
Broadcaster Jon Gaunt said it was a "grubby" coalition with the two parties desperate for power.