'For most of the time that I have been involved in local politics, I have been aware of a perception in the community that 'they' are responsible for providing most public services and facilities.

'They' are sometimes, but not always, defined as 'the council', but there is an obvious lack of understanding among many people of which level of national, regional or local government does what.

In times of plenty, this was probably less important as there were a variety of funding streams and grants available, and it was not too difficult for the appropriate body to access these and get the job done.

But all that has changed.'

Read new mayor of Liskeard Nick Mallard's thoughts on the year ahead in this week's Cornish Times