The Conservative Party Conference, which is approaching fast, is an important part of our political calendar, providing an opportunity to meet colleagues and ministers, and allowing us to debate and vote on party issues.
There seems to be consensus across local government that the Prime Minister’s announcement on social care funding and reform still leaves a lot to be desired.
A series of successful hybrid meetings have started the new political year at the LGA, with leading members exploring key issues facing councils.
I hope that first readers were able to enjoy a well-earned break from council duties over the summer and spend some time with friends and family.
Like everyone, I have been horrified at the scenes from Afghanistan in recent weeks and months.
Passing a motion and declaring a climate emergency is one thing; doing something practical that makes a difference to the communities we serve is something else.
It has been a summer break we needed, but in the shadow of dreadful disasters in Haiti and Greece, and terror and sadness in Afghanistan.
Rampant wildfires in America; hundreds killed by extreme floods in Germany and China; and here, in the UK, the Met Office issued its first ever extreme heat warning.
It was great to see so many Conservative councillors attending this year’s LGA annual conference, albeit once again virtually.
I would like to say a big thank you to all of you who joined me at the LGA’s virtual annual conference.