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Dear colleague,
Welcome to the LGA Conservative Group's newsletter, in which we highlight the latest information associated with COVID-19 and other topical issues.
First of all, I would like to congratulate Lord Porter of Spalding, our National Lead Peer and LGA's former Chairman, who has recently been appointed as a new non-executive director on the MHCLG Departmental Board. I have worked very closely with Gary in the last few years and I am sure that he will be an asset to the MHCLG Ministers and senior officials, with his years of local government experience.
After such a challenging year, there has never been a better time to unite and level up the country and help communities recover faster from the pandemic. It is great to see that our Government has already taken some steps to implement this agenda. This week, I was particularly delighted to hear that the Government has announced a further £725 million of investment from the Towns Fund for 30 towns across England to boost the local economy, create jobs, build new homes and support local businesses.
This announcement means that 83 Towns Fund deals have now been agreed, totalling over £2 billion investment in communities across England.
As many of you know, last year the Government published Planning for the Future, a white paper and consultation on reform to the English planning system. The consultation on the white paper closed last October and the Government is currently analysing over 44,000 responses that they have received.
We understand that the Planning bill is now expected to be brought before Parliament after the summer recess.
As usual, we will raise your concerns and feedback to the Government to ensure the new planning system is locally-led and delivers sustainable development, so that communities can shape their local areas and make sure that the right infrastructure is in place.
Finally, I am pleased to inform you that Robert Jenrick, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, will open the Post-Election Group Leaders' Day on the 18 June. We will also hear from Co-Party Chairman, Amanda Milling, as well as the Director of Campaigning and the Head of Local Government at CCHQ.
Please contact the CCA to register if you have not already done so. This event is only open to Conservative Group Leaders.
As always, if there is anything I or our regional lead peers can do to assist, please do not hesitate to contact us.
You can find more details about our lead peers at the bottom of this newsletter.
Best wishes,
Cllr Izzi Seccombe
Group Leader, LGA Conservative Group |
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LGA Virtual Annual Conference, 6-8 July 2021 (FREE)
The LGA Virtual Annual Conference will be an opportunity to hear from central and local government leaders discuss and debate a wide range of issues including economic recovery, climate change, devolution, equalities, funding, health, housing, planning, social care, and much more.
Please book your free place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Variant Testing
Secretary of State for Health, Matt Hancock, has announced a new package of support for Greater Manchester and parts of Lancashire, to help stem the rise in the number of confirmed cases of the Delta coronavirus variant.
Specified postcodes will receive extra vaccinations, military support and are being asked to again wear masks in secondary schools and colleges. Government travel guidance has also been updated, with travel in and out the region to be kept to a 'minimum'.
LGA National Events: Welcome to Newly Elected Councillors
Following the recent elections, the LGA are pleased to invite all newly elected councillors to attend one of our virtual national welcome events, hosted via zoom. This will be a great opportunity for new councillors to explore what their role means; learn about challenges facing councils; and meet colleagues from other councils.
The virtual events are free of charge and will run for 90 mins on 22 June (10am) and 28 June (5:30pm) and delegates can choose to attend one of these sessions to suit their availability.
The sessions will be hosted by the LGA and will complement council’s own induction programmes. Delegates can register via the LGA's Events page.
Electric vehicle charging infrastructure survey
Best practice
We are looking for examples of best practice from Conservative-run councils on a range of activities, including local test and trace schemes, supporting local businesses and high streets, as well helping local communities at a neighbourhood level.
The examples highlighted are obviously not exclusive and please do email us any best practice examples that you feel demonstrates how Conservative councils and councillors are supporting their communities during the latest phase of the pandemic.
Conservative Regional Lead Peers
The regional lead peers and the areas they cover are as follows:
- Lord Porter of Spalding CBE - National Lead Peer & Regional Lead Peer for the South East
- Councillor Paul Middlebrough - Regional Lead Peer for the South West, Hampshire and Isle of Wight
- Councillor William Nunn - Regional Lead Peer for the East of England
- Councillor Teresa O’Neill OBE - Regional Lead Peer for London
- Councillor Glen Sanderson JP - Regional Lead Peer for the East Midlands, North East and Yorkshire & Humber
- Councillor Mike Wilcox - Regional Lead Peer for the West Midlands and North West.
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