Putting People First

This well-used Liberal Democrat slogan was the subject of the annual LGA (Local Government Association) conference held in Bournemouth this week. I was there along with other colleagues from councils from all parts of the UK to learn the latest on offer from central government.

We heard speeches from Boris Johnston, the new Mayor of London, David Cameron and Nick Clegg aswell as an inspiring session from Richard Olivier (the son of Sir Lawrence Olivier and Dame Joan Plowright), directing us through a set of Henry V! We all felt ready to go back and fight for our causes whatever they are!

The final report from the Health Commission was launched, though the green paper on policing is not yet ready so we could only speculate that there will be more about neighbourhood policing. I now have lots of reading to catch up on to keep me busy.

Much is being made about devolving power, but still lots of talk with no action. As Nick Clegg said in his speech, we have wanted this for years but is local government really brave enough to allow us to be truly local? If we are to make things happen we need to be allowed to just get on with the job and be given the resources to do it well.

The weather was beautiful and it was lovely to watch the surfers on the beach in the sunshine, though couldn't help feeling envious that I had no time to join them!