Two of the best The LG App store features apps designed to streamline processes in large and small authorities.
Small authorities could save money by sharing call centres or other back-office functions, suggests James Hulme of the New Local Government Network, a think-tank.
"Do you want local government to continue to be responsible for education and social care - because if you don't then that drives you towards a pretty large number of small authorities - if you do there is quite a compelling case for a smaller number of larger authorities?" he said.
Within minutes, the scene forward to the front lines suddenly took on the shape of a defeated army in headlong flight, with men and boys streaming down from the hills on foot, scrambling not to fall in the path of "commanders" roaring past them in the Toyota Hi-Lux pickups that are the universal vehicle of choice for bearded men with guns, and at least a small authority, in Afghanistan.
Given them small authority to discount, give the sales leader a slightly larger level and anything above that comes to your desk for negotiation.
They tended to be in smaller authorities where relations were close between headteachers, parents and councillors.
The new formula will mean less money for places like Alaska and New York and more money for smaller authorities elsewhere.
It is only fair, said Richard E. Schneider, executive director of the Wichita Falls Housing Authority, since smaller authorities have long been accustomed to being overshadowed by heavyweights like New York.
While a few core cities claim they are spearheading a revival in local democracy, elsewhere smaller authorities find the very symbol of local decision making up for sale to buy them just a little more time.
With the capture of Constantinople by the crusaders in 1204, the power of the Byzantine Empire was split among a number of smaller authorities, of which the "empires" of Thessalonica and Nicaea were short-lived: in both, the coinage (where attributable) was of normal Byzantine character.
Mr Mahmood and Mr Grant agreed breaking up Birmingham City Council into a number of smaller authorities, like in London, would not resolve the issue.
