Economic growth and regeneration: together they are essential to the prosperity and wellbeing of our communities and offer a major opportunity, which many districts have embraced for some time, whether in more urban or rural areas.

There are many examples of the fundamental, let alone added, value districts give through our strategic planning and housing services and our role in ensuring the provision and support of quality housing and community facilities, making our areas appealing to those people whom new businesses want to attract and employ; not to mention the jobs created locally by councils which respond positively (one may say 'constructively') to the market demand for housing, so strongly supported by the coalition government.

Many of us also have taken calculated 'risks' to ensure that the 'rewards' of regeneration projects are unlocked, brought forward and, in some cases, rescued.