When queried whether she would permit local governments to increase taxes or advise them to perish or swim, the shadow chancellor responded, "I have no qualms regarding the magnitude of the challenge I will assume upon assuming the role later this year, and I must be forthright with the public." Insolvent councils will not be bailed out by Labour, according to the shadow chancellor. "I'm not going to be able to fix all the problems straightaway," Reeves admitted.