Local Government Conference 2023

There’s a transformation taking place in local government. Across the country, hundreds of Labour & Co-operative councillors are working to give local people a voice in their communities, and a say in how services are run.  This year’s Co-operative Party Local Government Conference will focus on practical steps to deliver your co-operative manifesto commitments as we bring together Co-operative Party elected representatives from across the UK to demonstrate best practice, collaborate and share knowledge.

With the greatest number of Labour & Co-operative Councillors than ever before in local government, our Conference will give you the tools you need to implement cohesive strategies that achieve the priorities outlined in your manifesto, while remaining adaptable to changing circumstances and economic conditions.

This is the chance to meet fellow co-operative councillors, hear from inspirational speakers, and take part in workshops to help you take those ideas back to your council.  The event is open to all new and experienced Councillors, as well as those interested in local government.

The programme *

10.30: Welcome: Cllr Bev Craig, Leader Manchester City Council

10.45: Keynote address and Q&A: Jim McMahon MP, Chair of the Co-operative Party and Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

11:00   Panel: Delivering the co-operative difference, with:

• Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council
• Cllr Matt Brown, Leader of Preston Council
• Cllr Jim Robbins – Leader of Swindon Council
• Cllr Yvonne Gagen, Leader of West Lancs Council
• Chair : Cllr Abigail Marshall Katung, Co-op Party NEC (England North)

12.00   Breakouts:

1. Creating a Local Co-operative Economy, with:

• Mayor Phil Glanville, Leader of Hackney Council
• Cllr Matt Brown, Leader of Preston Council

1. Running a Co-operative Commission, with:

• Cllr Kemi Akinola, Dept. Leader of Wandsworth Council
• Jo Platt, Greater Manchester Co-operative Commissioner
• Cllr Angeliki Stogia, Greater Manchester Co-op Commissioner

1. Transitioning to Community Energy, with:

• Dave Fuller, Repowering London
• Cllr Mete Coban, Hackney Council
• Kate Gilmartin, British Hydropower Association

12:45   Lunch

1:00     Fringe Meetings:

1. Co-op Councils Innovation Network: Being a #Co-op Council
2. Labour Local Government Association: An introduction for new councillors

1.40     Welcome back: Joe Fortune, General Secretary Co-operative Party

1.45     Panel: Diverse Councils Declaration, addressing the cultural, leadership and policy barriers and drivers which contribute to local democratic representation, speakers include:

• Cllr John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham Council
• Cllr Annoinette Bramble, Dept Mayor Hackney Council
• Cllr Meg Birchall, Saddleworth Parish Council
• Cllr Steph Cryan, Southwark Council

2:30     Keynote address and Q&A: Angela Rayner MP, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party

3:00     Safer, Stronger Communities – launching the Co-operative Party’s report focusing on how people, services and organisations coming together to help communities stay safe and protected

3:15     Taking Practical Action – workshops include:

1. Working towards Ethical Tax & Procurement, with:

• Mary Patel, Fair Tax Foundation
• Cllr Sue Morgan, Torfaen Council
• Cllr Ellie Ormsby, Westminster City Council

1. Achieving Food Justice, with:

• James Butler, Co-operative Party
• Sofia Parente, Campaigns & Policy Co-ordinator for Sustain: the alliance for better food & farming
• Pam Warhurst, Founder Incredible Edible

1. Achieving Change from Opposition or Coalition, with:

• Cllr Vince Maple, Leader Medway Council
• Cllr Cammy Day, Leader Edinburgh City Council
• Cllr Nadine Peatfield, Derby City Council

4pm – 5pm: Networking drinks reception in PHM Cafe, sponsored by Greater Manchester Co-operative Party Council.

Plus a  Conference Marketplace, with exhibitors including:

• Co-ops UK
• Co-operative Councils Innovation Network
• Labour Coast & Country
• Money Matters

*programme subject to change

Venue

The People’s History Museum (PHM) is located on the corner of Left Bank and Bridge Street, opposite the Civil Justice Centre, alongside the River Irwell, in the Spinningfields area of Manchester City Centre. The postcode is M3 3ER.

Details of how to get to the venue using public transport can be found here. The nearest station is Oxford Road.  It is approx. 30-min walk from Manchester Piccadilly.  There there is a free-public bus from all mainline stations.  Nearest stops are:

• No 1: Gartside Street (1 min walk)
• No 2: John Rylands Library, Deansgate (4 min walk)
• No 3 (evening service): John Rylands Library, Deansgate (4 min walk)

Access

The Co-operative Party is committed to making all our events as accessible as we are able.  Please email me if you have any specific accessibility requirements you feel we should be aware of.  The PHM offers the following facilities:

• Lift access throughout the building – all lifts in the museum are wheelchair accessible and the main lift near the reception area also has audio announcements.
• Infrared hearing loop facilities are available in the Engine Hall and Coal Store Conference Room.
• Wheelchair hire and plug-in points are located near the Info Desk for mobility scooters and battery operated wheelchairs
• A quiet room for people to use for a sensory break, prayer or privacy.

• Guide dogs are welcome.

Conference registration

Thank you for your interest in this event.  Registration is now closed as this event is now full.