Many of you will receive this edition of first as you are making final preparations for the LGA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition in Liverpool.
As ever, the conference will provide a unique opportunity for the local government family to come together to review the past year, look ahead, share best practice and meet within our political groups.
As Chair of the LGA’s Improvement and Innovation Board, I am particularly excited to be chairing a range of sessions covering issues as diverse as the role of elected members in sector-led assurance, partnership working between housing associations and councils, and how councils can harness digital tools to improve outcomes.
I’m also looking forward to visiting the Innovation Zone, where there will be more than 30 sessions, covering a wide range of subjects, showcasing best practice from across the country and all tiers of local government.
The sessions will be highly interactive, providing delegates with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get involved.
For Conservative colleagues, I am pleased to confirm that – in addition to our Group AGM on Tuesday 1 July – we will be joined by Alex Burghart MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, for a policy discussion on Wednesday; and by Kevin Hollinrake, our Shadow Secretary of State, on Thursday.
“Conference is the perfect opportunity to catch up with old acquaintances and make new friendships”
Please also do visit our stand, where you can catch up with our group office staff, confirm your dinner place and pick up merchandise.
Conference is the perfect opportunity to catch up with old acquaintances and make new friendships – so, if you see me at a fringe or group meeting, at the Innovation Zone, or maybe even in the bar, please do say hello. I’m look forward to seeing many of you in Liverpool.
- For more information about the LGA’s political groups, see www.local.gov.uk