Full Association meeting in Edinburgh's Dynamic Earth Centre, next door to the Scottish Parliament. We get a good turnout with in excess of 50 delegates attending and we have one of the best debates in years. Bad start to the day when I receive a parking ticket outside my hotel, despite the fact I have paid at the meter.
Held our one day policy seminar today in Manchester's Hilton Hotel - the tallest building in England outside of Canary Wharf. The Future of Local Government: Turning the strategic vision into front line service reality, was the title, and we had a good debate on the issues emerging.
Took the train down to Parliament today to give evidence to the House of Commons Council Housing Group Inquiry into the Housing and Regeneration Bill. The event was chaired by Austin Mitchell MP and a significant number of other MPs participated over the course of the day, including Gerald Kaufmann.
In London today to meet the Public Sector Editor of the Guardian, David Brindle, to discuss mutual opportunities. We chewed the fat and shared ideas and agreed a few opportunities to explore. David is going to provide us with some of his colleagues to chair sessions at some of our political fringe events and we are going to provide some opinions on key stories in public services.