South East Councils brought together more than 40 councillors from across the region for a discussion with John Osborne, Deputy Director for Place Engagement at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
The event followed SEC’s AGM, where Cllr Keith House, Leader, Eastleigh Borough Council, was elected as the new Chair of SEC. Cllr House is well known across the region, having been in local politics for over 30 years.
John spoke to members about MHCLG’s place engagement work and drew on his wider experience across government programmes, including the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the Towns Fund and a range of delivery and policy roles across the department.
The discussion gave South East councillors an opportunity to raise issues directly with MHCLG, including planning and housing pressures, local government reorganisation, devolution, and how national and local partners can work together more effectively across policy, funding and delivery.
SEC will continue to provide opportunities for member councils to engage with government on the major policy and delivery issues affecting local authorities across the South East.
