The LGA’s virtual annual conference, spread over two weeks in July, featured webinars with prominent speakers from local and central government, including Secretary of State Robert Jenrick MP and Local Government Minister Simon Clarke MP.
This provided a fantastic opportunity for more people to engage with speakers, and Robert’s and Simon’s webinars were attended by 877 and 400 delegates, respectively.
Key announcements from Robert’s session included the additional £500 million in funding to deal with COVID-19 financial pressures, a new scheme to reimburse councils for lost income, and enabling them to spread their tax deficits over three years rather than one.
“The Chancellor’s funding announcements will help councils continue delivering services on which residents depend”
Simon used his speech to announce a new £10 million Kick-starting Tourism Package, which will give small businesses in tourist destinations grants of up to £5,000 to help them adapt to new ways of operating.
This was followed by the Summer Economic Update, in which the Chancellor urged us to focus recovery plans on jobs and announced a £30 billion package to boost the economy and give young people a better start.
These funding announcements will help councils to continue delivering the services on which their residents depend, while also recognising that they are an integral part of the national response to COVID-19 and the leaders of the recovery in their local areas.
Thanks to everyone who facilitated and participated in this unique annual conference and made it such a success in difficult circumstances. Hopefully, we will all be able to meet in person in Liverpool next year.