The shocking news of fatal flooding in Libya is heartbreaking and there will be much we want to do to help.
Here, councils are as busy as ever, with big changes nationally and locally.
As elections loom, our Independents remain well connected with each other and with our residents, creating a strong and gathering momentum for the LGA Independent Group.
Our recent members’ day was exciting, with determination to tackle the tasks ahead. All our members are invited to join our thinktanks to help shape solutions that work (visit www.local.gov.uk/lga-independent).
Our first-ever ‘weekender’ for our 42 Independent council leaders, group executive and LGA board members is in Warwick from 20- 21 October.
And our annual group conference will take place from 24-25 November (venue to be confirmed); our ever popular ‘Next Generation’ programme commences from 17-18 November.
We are together working on key issues that matter to our residents.
For example, the by-election response to the recent expansion of London’s ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ) was not an ‘anti-green’ vote but against the way it was implemented: without alternative public transport, little money for a belated scrappage scheme and not phased in.
Clean air and water remain central to our quality of life.
“We are also working to keep planning local, and we oppose the Government’s further increase of uncontrolled permitted development rights.”
I will be representing you at the Welsh LGA’s annual conference, and the Green and Plaid Cymru party conferences, and look forward to seeing you there.