Neighbourhoods and local economic success: Beyond Austerity?

Presentations

Beyond Austerity: Impact of the General Election 2017
Paul O’Brien, Chief Executive, APSE

Funding for Neighbourhoods; Has the money run out?
Dr Peter Kenway, Economist and Director of the New Policy Institute

Wigan’s Deal for the Future
Donna Hall, Chief Executive, Wigan Council

Delivering neighbourhood based regeneration
Mark Bradbury, Head of Capital Assets, Southampton City Council

Garden Cities: Garden Villages; Planning for new Homes within decent community settings
Hugh Ellis, Director of Policy at the Town and Country Planning Association

Luton Borough Council: Developing a USP
Laura Church Corporate Director, Place and Infrastructure, Luton Borough Council

Wakefield Council: Making Environmental Services part of a Dynamic Solution
Glynn Humphries, Service Director: Environment & Street Scene Regeneration & Economic Growth, Wakefield Council

Delivering resilient neighbourhood services: Generating new sources of income
Paul Naylor, Direct Services Manager, Eastleigh Borough Council

Seminar objectives

National economic circumstances have reflected in reduced funding to local councils but residents still require good local services. Businesses demand that the places where they invest meet their needs. The role of local authorities has never been more critical to creating sustainable local economies and local neighbourhoods where people thrive; it is however one of the most challenging agendas councils have ever faced.

This seminar will explore the dynamics of council services beyond austerity. We make the case for ‘neighbourhood services’, the public services which people experience as soon as they step out of their own front door, recognising the critical role of these services in the politics of place. We will also explore the changing funding dynamics and look at what innovative councils are doing to support people and places, including income generation and commercialisation strategies.

From anchoring regeneration through housing developments and infrastructure investments, to developing a strategic vision for the future, we will explore the changing dynamics and learn lessons from exemplar councils. Critically  we show how frontline neighbourhoods services can be part of the solution not a budget burden.