2011 PARTY CONFERENCE REPORT
Briefing to the Association by Cllr Alison Hernandez & Nick Bonstow
Conservative Conference 3-6th Oct 2011
Theme: “Leadership for a Better Future”
#cpc11
Who attended?
Deputy Chairman Membership: Cllr Alison Hernandez
Chairman Conservative Future: Nick Bonstow
What were our goals?
- To promote and advocate for Torbay,
- To hear, debate and discuss public sector reform,
- To gain some inspiration for the political year ahead,
- To meet and share experiences with other Conservative activists,
- To gain access to Ministers on important issues.
Who did we meet?
The Prime Minister, David Cameron
He said:
“Please support the results of the boundary review”
The Transport Secretary, Philip Hammond
We said:
“Torbay needs the South Devon Link Road”
South West MEP, Ashley Fox
He said:
“Check out our funding booklet on how to access EU funds”
Devon Conservative Future, Neil Wilson & Lizzy Shepherd
We said:
“Let’s set up a team & work together across Devon!”
Tim Montgomerie, Editor and Creator of ConservativeHome
We said:
“Have you ever heard of Torbay?”
Anne-Marie Morris MP for Teignbridge
She said:
“Business buddies works!”
Social Action Training
Photo Twelve
They said:
“Social Action works,
it is part of the Conservative DNA”
What did we learn?
- Government want us to have a council tax freeze for a second year, with expectations for sustaining this if public sector reform actually works!
- We should make public the grants the Council give to the community and voluntary sector with an aim of moving to commissioning services instead of grant giving.
- The Right to Buy your council house is back on the agenda to encourage home ownership and utilisation of the monies raised to invest back into new homes.
- The ‘Think Big’ project, led by O2 and aimed at young people who have ideas and need funding to support it. As well as bringing the private sector into service delivery, and corporate sponsorship has been keen to this projects success
- We contributed to a workshop run by think tank Respublica about the Civic approach to the Big Society, suggesting that it's not all about money.
- We attended training on membership which focused on how to retain and attract members. Do you know what to do it someone wanted to join the party?
- Social Action is a key priority for the Conservatives and they want us to get on with it! Let Alison know if you have any ideas about projects that need doing in your area to improve it or know people who are willing to get involved in action in their communities
- The future of local government could be mutualisation! Can you see a Co-operative approach work such as John Lewis Partnership within public services? Lambeth Council (Labour-run) is a Co-operative Council already.
- We made a contact in the national organisation the Big Society Network called Emily who is from St Marychurch! We aim to meet up with her soon and work out ways that we can collaborate.
- There is no more money from government for being deprived. Eric Pickles said that the push now is to promote ourselves as a great place to do business and encourage business growth. This, along with the motivation that we can potentially get to keep the funds raised through business rates means it is all about being positive rather than negative about our area. Suits us, as we are the English Riviera!
