To achieve more with less, local authorities are now looking to identify new ways to make use of the power of general competence, freedom to innovate, and the ability to combine to create flexible financially-viable solutions for their localities.

Local government needs to adjust to the powers that localism gives them, learn how to mobilise new revenue streams, make the most of assets, use their procurement power more commercially, transfer risk over longer periods, recognise human capital and in some cases strategically reorganise. Lessons learned from previous recessions are also invaluable at this juncture, as are the models of best practice that are being employed by other local authorities and their partners.

This conference will challenge and inspire local authorities and partners by bringing together the most innovative leaders from the sector to share their unique approaches, and respond to the government’s new financial settlement.