Agenda item

The Chair invited Philip Clifford, Senior Adviser, to introduce the report.

Philip introduced the report which provided an outline of the discussion that took place at the LGA’s first Urban Summit. It set out three questions for Board Members to reflect on and proposed that a vision for the future of cities be prepared for the LGA’s Annual Conference.

Board Members made a number of comments and asked questions which related to the following points:

• It was welcomed that the Urban Summit had taken place in person, which allowed Members to meet face-to-face post-pandemic and network.
• The Summit was not as well attended as Members had hoped, but it was rich in terms of input and activity. The board was encouraged to attend future events.
• Lord Kerslake, Chair of the UK 2070 Commission, had attended and spoken at the Summit and had been invited to continue the discussion at the LGA Annual Conference.
• The importance of local authorities having the power to develop their cities and develop a long-term vision for the future development of the country.
• The importance of close working relationships with partners.
• The opportunity to look more closely at the unique, specific role of cities and regions whilst taking the challenges onboard.
• 55 per cent of world’s population lived in cities, this would grow to 80 per cent by 2050, underlining the importance of this debate

Chris Murray, Director of Core Cities UK, supported the work of the LGA and said that Core Cities UK would further assist in any way possible.

Philip and Ian Hughes, Director of Policy responded to Board Members’ comments, setting out the following points:

• Engagement from Members was encouraged to ensure that the positive discussions could continue.
• Officers would continue to think about the high-profile, cost-intensive, social economic challenges that cities and urban areas were faced with.
• The importance of raising the profile of the debate over the next year was emphasised.
• LGA officers would continue to work with partners and organisations having similar debates to share ideas and best practice.

Decision:

• Board Members noted the report.

Action:

• Officers to share the Urban Summit presentation slides with Board Members.