Programme

Saturday, 6 November 2010

09:00 - 10.00 Registration & breakfast

10.00  Chair’s introduction and welcome: Mayor Jules Pipe

10.10  A word from our sponsors:  Stuart Fraser, City of London Corporation

10.20 Keynote speech: Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

10.45 Refreshments

11.15 Panel: making the case for London

“How can the capital's public bodies deliver excellent services for Londoners and ensure they get the best deal over the next four years? How can we seize the opportunities offered by the 2012 Games to bring benefits to all of our communities? How effective is the public sector being in using opportunities to influence the government’s spending decisions and how can the public and private sectors best work together in these challenging times?”

Speakers include:

• Mayor Jules Pipe, London Councils chair
• Paul Deighton, chief executive, London 2012
• Peter Hendy, commissioner, Transport for London
• Ian McPherson, assistant commissioner, Metropolitan Police

Chaired by Reeta Chakrabarti, BBC political correspondent    

12.30 Lunch

13.30 - 14.45 Breakouts

Breakout 1: Shaping the devolution debate

This autumn sees the coalition government introduce a wide ranging programme of reform that has the potential to dramatically change the way local councils do their jobs. What will the Government’s devolution plans mean for London boroughs? What impact will devolving powers to bodies other than local councils have on the role of councillors and residents in decision-making?  Find out how London Councils is working with local authorities to shape the devolution debate and influence the reform programme.

Breakout 2: The politics of austerity 

In the aftermath of the Spending Review this autumn, three local politicians debate the fallout, the future for public services in London, and the three parties' visions for local government in tough financial times.

Breakout 3: Engaging residents in local decisions  

How are residents able to shape their council’s response to local issues? Are surgeries or area forums an effective way for the electorate to effect change in their borough? Hear the experiences of authorities that are successfully involving their residents in decision-making at a ward level. This breakout also will look at councillors’ use of social media techniques as well as dealing with local online forums and neighbourhood groups.

Breakout 4: Influencing decision-making 

How do non-cabinet members and those from parties not in control influence council decisions? How best can ward councillors make their voices heard and challenge decision-makers effectively?  This breakout will also address the principles of effective scrutiny and how it can help decision-making more transparent.

14.45 Refreshments

15.00 - 16.00 Political network meetings (Conservative, Labour and Lib Dem)