You’ll be reading this just before or during the LGA’s annual conference.
I’m so pleased that Luke Rodgers BEM, of The Care Leaders, invited by the LGA Independent Group, will be speaking at conference to all councillors about his work with local authorities in their role as corporate parents to the children in their care.
His plenary will blend powerful stories with practical frameworks, helping councillors and leaders truly understand these young people’s lives, and involve them properly in the services built around them.
“Independent councillors will be exploring youth democracy”
Independent councillors will also be exploring youth democracy, and how we can enable our young people to be engaged in local government and local politics, navigating the toxic and polarising social media barrage that many experience now.
We’ll also be taking some time to discuss the role of Independent and local party councillors, and leadership in an increasingly nationalised and polarised political environment – making sure we promote those councillors’ unique contribution to local democracy.
Following our recent elections, I would like to congratulate our newly elected Deputy Leader, Cllr Paul Harvey, and Treasurer, Cllr Marianne Overton MBE. Their appointments come at an important time for the group, and I look forward to working with them as we support you to deliver for your communities and to strengthen the Independent voice within the LGA.