The CPF's Voluntary Director Hannah David and Manager John Hayward were delighted to take part in this past weekend's Conservative Councillors' Association conference held in Oxfordshire. Over 260 Party Members attended the conference and got to put questions to the many speakers, including the Prime Minister, Communities and Local Government Minister Greg Clark MP and Housing and Planning Minister, Brandon Lewis MP.
The CPF stand was well visited throughout the conference and many delegates collected a copy of the new CPF Pack, which will be more widely distributed later this week. Both Ministers showed great interest in the work of the CPF and spent considerable time at the stand. Greg previous led the CPF in his region, so was able to give particularly helpful advice on how the Forum can engage with ministers and MPs. His suggestions have been taken on board and will be followed through.
In his address on the first day of the conference, the Prime Minister expressed his thanks for all the invaluable work that elected members and volunteers put into the Party. During questions from the floor, Hannah David asked Mr Cameron for his assurance that he would encourage his Ministers and Members of Parliament to listen to and respond to representations from the CPF. In response, the Prime Minister acknowledged the importance of the Forum and highlighted the need for our papers always to address the consequences of policy suggestions.
The CPF held two workshops at the conference, entitled “Do Planning Committees work?” Both sessions were extremely well attended with standing room only. The speakers - Cllrs Harvey Cohen (Hertsmere), Neil Clarke (Rushcliffe) and Matthew Barber (Vale of White Horse) - highlighted important issues, including the impact of the Housing and Planning Bill on powers of committees, the importance of training of committee members and the relationship between officers and members. This led to a varied and wide-ranging debate. Quite clearly the topic was of huge interest.
The CPF was extremely pleased with the huge interest shown by the Councillors who attended the conference and, in particular, with the commitment that many expressed to help build CPF Groups within their areas. The CPF would like to thank all the organisers of this excellent event.