WLGA Conference 2015 in Swansea

A team from Local Partnerships attended the WLGA conference on the 18 June 2015.

Local Partnerships works with councils across Wales on a number of innovative projects. The conference was attended by many senior figures from across Wales and the UK, exploring themes such as social care, equality and social justice, education, change management, the Welsh Government white paper, environment and regeneration.

We held meetings with a geographical “A-B-C” of officers and leaders – from Anglesey to Bridgend and on to Caerphilly, discussing waste treatment projects, transport and Green Growth Wales.

A point of great interest at the conference was the announcement by Leighton Andrews AM, Minister for Public Services, regarding reforming local government and proposed local authority mergers. He stated that LAs need new strategies to shape their place in times of austerity, and referenced the initiatives being implemented by Plymouth Council.

Here are a few key thoughts tweeted by the team whilst at the WLGA Conference, including points made by the three opposition party Leaders:

WLGA Leader: The Welsh Government’s vision for activist councils is already taking place #wlga15 #localgov

#wlga15@Plaid_Cymru : Obsession with lines on a map, should focus on defining role of LAs in a devolved setting @WelshLGA

#wlga15@WelshLibDems : Missed opportunity to integrate health and social care @WelshLGA

#wlga15@WelshConserv : Far better reorganisation achieved where there is a will from the LAs to merge, rather than directions from above

Our #wlga15 take home message: form should follow function; nothing more dangerous than a General with a map in a battle zone @WelshLGA

Please follow us @LP_localgov

For more information about our work in Wales, please contact Howel Jones on 07710 795 205 or howel.jones@localpartnerships.gov.uk