SO now we are beginning to see the shape of things to come. As this year’s party conference season comes to end, the picture is taking shape of how it will be in the new age of austerity, whoever wins the election. The freezing of public sector pay for millions (welcome to the real world everyone), working longer, higher taxes, spending cuts. Not only no jam tomorrow but no jam for a long time.

Some good news though – no more speed cameras, according to David Cameron. Things are not quite so clear as far as local services are concerned as councils grapple with the need to cut costs, an inevitable reduction in cash from central government, falling income from fees and charges and a massive drop in interest income.

So in the coming weeks, councillors where you live will be making painful decisions on cutting services and maybe jobs in an attempt to balance the books.

And that’s where you come in. As part of the debate about where the axe should fall, we want to hear what you think.

We’ll be running a series of features on each local council and looking at the options.

Your views will form an important part of the discussion and you can find out more on page six and in the coming days.

The Conservatives say we are all in this together. Well, we’re about to find out just how deep.