The long-awaited engagement White Paper will be published the week after the LGA conference. Publication will coincide with draft findings from the Boundary Committee on new unitary structures in Devon, Suffolk and Norfolk, and just days after the final ministerial approval of local area agreements. CLG official, Catherine Doherty, told an MJ/NSA conference last week that final guidance on local strategic partnerships would also be published along with the local government White Paper in the week beginning 7 July. Ahead of confirmation, minister Hazel Blears said that engagement could help re-connect with young people. She said: ‘If young people don't believe that the democratic system offers them a proper way to express their views, they are much more likely to turn to other avenues.' The event last week also heard a senior CLG official say local government's stock in Whitehall had started soaring four years ago. Andrew Campbell, director of local strategic partnerships and performance, said Whitehall's confidence in local government underpinned current policy on localism and LAAs. He told delegates: ‘Local government reached a reputation tipping point in 2004/5, and became the highest-performing part of the public sector. Without that background, none of the current agenda [on LAAs and LSPs] would be happening. There are few poor local authorities anymore but we must be aiming for excellence and that will be achieved by local areas being enthused. This is not a here-today-gone tomorrow initiative.' The MJ is holding a one-day conference on the forthcoming local government White Paper Empowerment in action on 17 July in London. Keynote speaker will be Hazel Blears as well as Sir Simon Milton, Michael O'Higgins and Sir Steve Bullock. Details from Neil Stewart Associates.
