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Reimagining local politics' role in education
National campaign manager of the NEU’s Councillor’s Network HENRY FOWLER explains how trade unionists are coming together to save local government and schools
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THE LAST 15 months have seen the National Education Union (NEU) Councillors’ Network go from strength to strength. Initially looking at how best to support NEU members who are also councillors in their role, the network has now grown to over 1,600 councillors of all parties, regularly taking part in actions standing up for education.
To celebrate the strength and development of our network, on Saturday November 2 we are holding our first ever local government conference of over 190 councillors from across the country, to discuss the future of local authorities and education.
We know that the last nine years have seen devastating cuts, with 60p in every pound being cut from local government. Combined with the damaging reforms to education, the cuts have left a fractured and damaged landscape. In recognition of the shared understanding of the need for change, our conference is proudly supported by LGA Labour Group, LGA Liberal Democrat Group, Association of Green Councillors and LGA Independent group.
This conference, chaired by NEU president Amanda Martin, will look to how we can reimagine local government and through a series of workshops try to bring schools back together, working with local authorities, proactive and proud to be at the forefront of education.
Workshops throughout the day will examine the big issues affecting education and the role of local authorities including:
- How does education funding work and what can we do about it?
- Understanding academisation and the role of local authorities
- Combatting racism through education – an anti-racist charter for schools
Delegates to this conference will develop a key set of principles, a programme for local government that sees education at its heart, a charter for the future of local authorities. Concluding with remarks form Kevin Courtney, joint general secretary of the NEU, about the work we can all do together and what is at stake if we do not, this event will support local authorities in ensuring they are a “key player” in education.
There are some places still left to attend this conference, which is open to councillors and those selected to fight local elections in May, to apply for a place go to: actionnetwork.org/events/neu-local-government-conference-2019/.
If you have not already, we urge all councillors to join our network for free to continue to be a part of this conversation and help us shape the future of education. Visit www.neu.org.uk/cllrs today and join our network.
We are organising the fightback of our local authorities in preparation for a new government that will re-prioritise local government and its role within our communities, within education.
Together we’ll shape the future of education and the future of local government.
Keep up to date with the campaign through twitter: @neucllrs and facebook: @NEUCllrs.
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