As more localised bodies, town and parish councils give the opportunity to concentrate on the smaller, but meaningful, issues on their doorsteps.
The West of England was a narrow Conservative victory last time. It is likely to be closely fought again.
The state should not try to do everything itself. Our role is to provide leadership and to unlock the power of voluntary organisations.
Too much learning has been lost, and too many children will find their educational outcomes affected, to simply return to business as usual.