Ain't no party like a party conference

As we all return from summer, it’s straight back to business for party conference season, when a throng of expectant lobbyists across the private, public and charitable sectors gather around the country to hunt for the first signs of how the major parties are faring two months on from the General Election.

We can expect a conference season of two halves. Whilst the Conservatives and SNP may be soul searching and feeling a little lost, the Labour party will be jubilant, alongside the Liberal Democrats, who will be able to have a positive impact on policy for the first time in nine years.

It may be time for celebration for Keir Starmer, but he will most likely be proceeding with caution. The riots meant he cancelled his holiday, and he's facing his first real moments of scrutiny in the top job.

Regardless, we’re looking forward to witnessing this crescendo of Labour party action since the General Election. ING has been attending for a number of years, tracking policy changes and the impact they may have on the built environment.

We’ll be looking out for an atmosphere of YIMBYism, the expected tax rises in the budget, more answers on winter fuel, as well as who will win the Tory leadership and a new leader can bring the party out of the wilderness. We’re also keen to learn more about planning reform and potential new towns, as well as what devolution looks like beyond metro mayors.

We’re particularly excited about collaborating with both the public and private sectors at the Labour Conference in Liverpool.

We’ll be attending a panel hosted by Key Cities with Mayor Tracy Brabin of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Jim McMahon OBE MP, the Minister of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Councillor Michael Mordey, Leader of Sunderland City Council and Councillor John Merry, Deputy Leader of Salford and Chair of Key Cities. The discussion will focus on the recent Key Cities Manifesto and the policies that support the needs of local councils across the UK.

We’ll also be bringing a group of experts together, working with Birmingham-based architecture practice Howells, to discuss regeneration and economic growth within cities across the UK. The purpose of this discussion is to unpack how this Government can deliver more than just numbers with the help of the private sector.

If you plan to be in Liverpool let us know.