Chris and many others had an opportunity to confront the new government as Nick Clegg and other ministers came to meet councillors and campaigners in London this weekend.

Chris asked Nick about the Guardian story that the free schools process might be funded from the free school meals budget. Nick said there was no substance in the story.

Chris also asked CLG minister Andrew Stunell about the rather hurried dismantling of the (rather ineffective) free swimming scheme.

Councillors met Michael Gove in a private meeting and were able to get some assurances that the new academies system would not wreak havoc with school planning ad admissions systems.

A further report from Nick Hollinghurst, also in attendance, can be found here.