Rubbing shoulders with MPs at Annual Local Government Association Conference - Ken James

Last week, Steve Hearse, Chief Executive of TDC, and I travelled to Bournemouth to attend the Annual Local Government Association (LGA) Conference alongside other local authorities.

The conference was well-attended and featured a variety of expert speakers and MPs who discussed the latest issues affecting our communities. We also had the opportunity to visit the inspiring Innovation Zone and explore various exhibitor stands and presentations.

At the conference, prominent figures and Members of Parliament like Angela Rayner, Michael Gove, and Ed Davey from the Liberal Democrats were present. The event was organised by the LGA to showcase the best practices being implemented by local government authorities across the country.

The aim was to equip attendees with knowledge that they could use to make a positive difference back in their own councils and communities.

Despite the numerous challenges faced by local government, the conference was very useful and enlightening, with many great ideas being shared during discussions and presentations.

There were numerous opportunities to join sessions on the subjects all councils are currently wrestling with such as housing, green energy, and future government funding. The main benefit for me included meeting other council leaders and chief executives in an informal relaxed atmosphere discussing mutual ways councils can move forward.

I attended many exhibitions and particularly enjoyed a talk about how local areas and effective partnerships will play a crucial role in delivering net zero. As an observation, in January 2023, Bath and North East Somerset Council and Cornwall Council were granted permission to implement planning policies that mandate new homes to meet net zero energy standards. Working in collaboration with the South West Net Zero Hub and Etude Consultancy, these councils have now developed a comprehensive energy reporting tool.

It was fascinating to observe how effective collaboration between the South West Net Zero Hub and its partners can lead to significant climate change solutions. Definitely a topic I and my fellow councillors will be giving our attention to during our current term.

Attending the LGA conference also reinforced my belief of the importance of Northern Devon taking advantage of the upcoming green energy and zero emissions opportunities. At the recent 'Marine Futures Conference' hosted by Petroc College, we learned about the potential of Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) in the Celtic Sea, as well as advancements in clean green hydrogen propulsion systems and the development of the UK's largest seaweed farm.

These opportunities can provide better-paying jobs and new career paths for students and help businesses diversify and expand their supply chains. Petroc will be key academic partner in all of this alongside the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth and I was pleased to contribute a few words to the opening of that event which took place a few weeks before the LGA conference.

I thought it fitting to close my column this week with a few words of recognition for the 75 year celebrations of the foundation of the NHS. Having access to free health care dependant on need and not ability to pay is something we might sometimes take for granted.

However, it has been fundamental to better health outcomes for all in this country and while it may be in need of an overhaul and perhaps more funding it is certainly an institution of which we can all be proud. While the government may provide the money it’s the dedicated doctors, nurses, and myriad other people involved in proving the care that make the institution unique and such an important part of our lives when we need it most.

Congratulations to everyone involved, past and present and along with that our thanks for all their hard work and dedication.