Dear colleague,
With the summer drawing to a close - this year bringing record-breaking temperatures - I am glad to see climate change has been noted at the “absolute core” of Boris Johnson’s priorities.
With the LGA Conference recently passing a motion in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, it is clear that local government is on the frontline of fighting climate change across a range of issues, including transport, planning, waste and housing.
Following the Conference, we have set up a Climate Emergency Sounding Board at the LGA to identify the challenges councils are facing across the country to tackle climate change and see how the LGA can provide support through lobbying.
The Government has also set a legally binding target to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, making the UK the first major developed economy to legislate to end its contribution to global warming.
With the Chancellor’s recent announcement of a fast tracked one year Spending Round, scheduled to take place next Wednesday, we appear to have a very short window of opportunity to try and influence the Government about our budget concerns, be these in reference to climate change, Brexit or key local issues.
The LGA will of course continue to lobby during the next coming months, but if you are minded please do put any local concerns in writing to the Treasury or of course raise them with your local MPs.
Best wishes,
Cllr Izzi Seccombe OBE Leader, LGA Conservative Group |
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For all the latest news from the LGA Conservative Group please follow us on Twitter at @LGACons
The Conservative Party Conference 2019
At this year’s Conservative Party Conference the LGA is hosting and participating in a range of debates and roundtables with stakeholders from across the public, private and voluntary sectors.
We would like to encourage you to attend the following events that the LGA Conservative Group is associated with:
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The LGA Debate: Why is the Queen’s Speech important for local government
Tuesday 1 October, 4-5.30pm, Exchange 10, Manchester Central
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The LGA Evening Reception
Tuesday 1 October, 8-9.30pm, Charter 4, Manchester Central
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MHCLG Team Policy Q&A (organised by the CCA and sponsored by the LGA Conservative Group)
Tuesday 1 October, 12:45-2pm, Exchange 11, Manchester Central. Registration is essential via the CCA exhibition stand.
Next Generation
Applications are open for the Next Generation Leadership Training Programme. This programme is for ambitious councillors who could become the “Next Generation” of council leaders.
Next Generation consists of three modules, and applicants need to be available for all of the below dates:
- Module 1: Friday 8 November - Saturday 9 November 2019, Warwick Conference Centre
- Module 2: Friday 10 January - Saturday 11 January 2020, Warwick Conference Centre
- Module 3: Friday 6 March - Saturday 7 March 2020, Warwick Conference Centre
There are only 20 places on this course, and the applicants need to have the support and recommendation of their Group Leader.
Apply now. Applications will close on Friday 6 September.
Effective Opposition Programme
The LGA has organised an Effective Opposition programme, focusing on enhancing the effectiveness of Opposition Leaders and Deputy Leaders.
The programme is for two days, and will be held at Warwick Conferences, Coventry.
- Programme 10: Thursday 14 November - Friday 15 November 2019
- Programme 11: Saturday 18 January - Sunday 19 January 2020
For more information please contact Grace Collins on grace.collins@local.gov.uk or 0207 664 3052.
Brexit hub
With only two months until Brexit Day, the LGA is continuing to update its Brexit hub with a range of Brexit-related information and resources: there is information on no deal planning, EU Funding, ports and trade, citizens’ rights and other key issues.
Access the Brexit hub
Conference on violent crime
The Policing Minister, Kit Malthouse MP, confirmed the Government has awarded £35 million for 18 Police and Crime Commissioners to set up Violence Reduction Units. These units will aim to bring together different organisations, including police, local government, health, community leaders and other key partners to tackle violent crime.
The LGA is holding a conference on taking a public health approach to tackling serious violence crime on Wednesday 13 November. Find out more.
LGA Councillors' Forum
The LGA holds a regular Councillors' Forum. This is a cross-party meeting which discusses topical issues related to local government.
In addition, the Conservative Group holds a political meeting before the Councillors' Forum where we often welcome topical speakers. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss important political issues in closed session.
All Conservative councillors are welcome to attend the Councillors' Forum and the group meetings. If you wish to do so please email lgaconservatives@local.gov.uk or call us on 020 7664 3264.
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The Councillors’ Forum dates for 2019/2020 are as follows (Conservative Group Meeting 11am to 12:30pm and the Forum 12:30pm to 1:30pm):
- Thursday 31 October 2019
- Thursday 23 January 2020
- Thursday 12 March 2020
- Thursday 4 June 2020
- Thursday 16 July 2020
LGA 'first' magazine
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'first' is LGA's membership magazine and is received as a hard copy by over 18,000 councillors and 400 Chief Executives. In a response to demand, we have made it easier to read online by creating a dedicated website to read all of its articles, interviews and opinion pieces.
Both the hard copy and online pdf are still available to readers, and subscriptions can be amended online.
Visit the first website
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