Description
However the policy landscape changes over the next year, it is likely that local communities will continue to endure hardships for some time as the economy emerges from the worst economic crisis in decades. This seminar looks at the practical steps local authorities can take to protect the most vulnerable in their communities, support the living standards of local people, and distribute the impacts of austerity and the proceeds of growth fairly. Covering the role of Fairness Commissions as part of broader alliances with civil society and local communities, the focus is on how local authorities can build on and develop existing achievements now and beyond 2015.
The seminar will cover:
- Fairness Commissions
- Earnings and incomes post-2015
- Housing associations and practical solutions
- Real Life Reform
- Community anti-austerity campaigns
- Fuel Poverty
- Credit unions
The seminar will give delegates the chance to exchange good practice and gain new insights into successful local anti-poverty campaigns and policies and actions for the amelioration of poverty. The seminar will also be an opportunity to test views about establishing a local councils network around these issues.
Programme*
9:30: Registration and refreshments
10:00: Introduction and overview to the day: Andrew Jones and Alan Waters
10:20: The role of Fairness Commissions and civil society in tackling poverty: Paul Bunyan, Edge Hill University
11:10: Community action against austerity – with or against local government? Liane Groves, Unite Head of Community Membership
12:00 Break
12:15: Earnings and Poverty Scenarios Post-2015: Laura Gardiner, Resolution Foundation
13:00 Lunch
13:45: Real Life Reform: Housing organisations and practical solutions to poverty: Satty Rai, Policy Services Manager, Northern Housing Consortium
14:30: Local government’s role in developing fair finance strategies: Damon Gibbons, Centre for Responsible Credit
15:15 Break
15:30 Local action to tackle fuel poverty: John Kolm-Murray, Seasonable Health and Affordable Warmth Co-ordinator, Islington Council
16:15 Final comments
16:30 Close
* This programme is correct at the time of publication be may be altered to reflect speaker changes that are beyond our control.
