Q&A: Councils funding grants cut

Leisure services, parks and libraries have all been early targets of cutbacks, but nothing is considered off limits as councils say they face a 12.1% cut in core government funding for 2011-12.

How are local authorities funded?

What grants do councils get?

What do councils spend the money on?

How hard are local authorities going to be hit?

Where can I see the figures for my local council?

How long will it be before we know how services will be affected?

Are some areas more likely than others to be hit?

Is anything ring-fenced?

What other ideas are being considered?

What does the government say about the cuts?