Co-operative Party Local Government Forum

Turning Values into Action

Join us on Wednesday 9 September for this year’s online Local Government Forum as we bring together Co-operative Party representatives, councillors, Mayors and local government leaders to drive forward the Party’s ambitious agenda as we look ahead to the change we can deliver together.

The May elections presented a challenging set of results for the Labour Party. Yet, through that challenge, the strength and reach of the Labour & Co-operative movement remains clear — with 1,200 Labour & Co-operative councillors now representing communities across local government, alongside Co-operative Mayors and PCCs.  Our movement has a strong platform from which to deliver change.

With a new Prime Minister and new ministerial appointments — including a strengthened Labour & Co-operative presence across MHCLG — there is a real opportunity for a reset and a renewed focus on the values that drive us.

This is a moment to think boldly about what comes next: how we use our influence in local government to put Co-operative values into practice and deliver tangible improvements for communities.

Be part of the conversation

Our Forum will bring together Labour & Co-operative councillors, Mayors, PCCs and local government leaders to share ideas, celebrate successes and explore how we can turn our values into practical local action.

Together, we will look at:

• Greater devolution — giving communities more power, resources and control over the decisions that affect their lives.
• A fairer, greener energy future — exploring the new Energy Bill and the Local Power Plan, and how councils can help deliver community-led energy.
• Growing our movement — supporting the ambition to double the size of the co-operative economy and build a stronger more cohesive communities.
• A new political moment — considering the opportunities created by the recent King’s Speech and how local government can help turn national ambitions into local delivery.
• Co-operative councils in action — showcasing how councils across the country are using Co-operative approaches to tackle local challenges and deliver meaningful, lasting change.
• Campaign launch – hear more as we launch our latest campaign calling for VAT relief on community assets.

Why attend?

Because local government is where our values become visible.  This online Forum is an opportunity to connect with fellow Co-operators, learn from what is working in councils across the country, influence the direction of our movement and leave with practical ideas to take back to your community.

The elections may have presented challenges. But the opportunity ahead is significant.

Now is the time to build on our strength, renew our ambition and deliver local change.

Hear from leading Co-operative voices

We are delighted to be joined by a leading lineup of Labour & Co-operative speakers from across local government, bringing together experience, ideas and practical examples of Co-operative change in action including Jim McMahon MP, Parliamentary Undersecretary in the Ministry for Housing, Community and Local Government.

Whether you are a councillor, candidate, local government representative, Co-operative Party member or campaigner, this is an opportunity to connect, share ideas and help shape our movement’s local government agenda.

Register your place today.

Speakers include

Jim McMahon MP

Chair of the Co-operative Party and Labour & Co-operative MP for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton