LGA Conference Fringe Event: How can community-led approaches build thriving neighbourhoods.

During the Local Government Association Conference 2024, Anna Francis was asked to contribute to a panel discussion Delivered by: Local Trust, New Local and The National Network for Neighbourhood Improvement.

Speakers on the Panel were:
Cllr Jane Ashworth OBE Leader, Stoke-on-Trent Council
Patrick Melia OBE Chief Executive, Sunderland City Council
Anna Francis Co-director, The Portland Inn Project
Matt Leach Chief Executive, Local Trust
Jessica Studdert (Chair) Interim Chief Executive, New Local

Event details:
Our neighbourhoods are dealing with the fallout of big national challenges – the cost-of-living crisis, pressures on public services and a flagging economy. Some are more resilient than others. Effective responses require highly adaptive approaches – even neighbourhoods that are next to each other might have widely varying outcomes.

This fringe session will draw together a range of perspectives on effective neighbourhood working and focus on practical examples of what works. We will explore the following questions:
- How can councils effectively support community capacity, particularly in areas experiencing low levels of social capital?
- What does it mean for the council to be working in ways that are adaptive to the needs of different neighbourhoods?
- How can communities take a lead on neighbourhood renewal and what does this mean for the role of the council?

Anna Francis was asked to prepare a presentation answering the question:
How have The Portland Inn Project taken the lead on neighbourhood renewal and what has this meant for the role of the council in Stoke-on-Trent?
And to contribute to a Q and A with the other speakers.