7 July 2023

This week from Tuesday to Thursday, I have been attending the Local Government Association (LGA) Annual Conference 2023 in Bournemouth. The 3-day conference brings together senior representatives working in local and central government as well as senior colleagues from other public sector bodies, charities and business.

The conference programme offered a wide range of engaging sessions and speakers covering the most important issues in local government. Speakers covered topics such as modernisation and transformation, future-proofing local government, and creating lasting change for people and their communities.

The conference also offered a unique Innovation Zone where councils could showcase their ideas and development. Interactive sessions covered current issues we are facing including the cost of living crisis, digital and tech solutions, and climate change, net zero and promoting sustainability.

Attending the conference was a very valuable way to learn more about the issues we face as a Council, as well as discussing how other councils plan to work towards a better future. The knowledgeable speakers gave plenty of ideas of how to put solutions into practice, and I look forward to bringing some of the suggestions back to our Council.

Today, I am attending the ANEC Leaders' and Elected Mayors' AGM held in Sunderland. A busy agenda includes an update from the North East Cultural Partnership (NECP) and a presentation of the Local Government Assurance Report.

After a busy week, I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with my family this weekend.