Minutes:
The Director informed the Committee that the annual Eurocities conference would take place in Ghent, Belgium, from 7th till 10th November. He explained that the theme for the event would be ‘A New City Politics’ and it would examine how cities could use innovative methods to engage with its citizens and encourage them to partake in local politics. He provided an overview of the keynote speakers, together with the range of topics which would be explored at the various sessions and workshops. He added that the highlight of the conference, which would be attended by over 400 delegates, would be the Mayors’ debate which would explore the issue of political renewal in cities. He indicated that the conference would provide valuable opportunities for the Council’s representatives to discuss with key partners the range of funding opportunities which could be applied for through future European initiatives and afford also an opportunity for the City’s representatives to bid to host the Eurocities Social Affairs Forum in 2013 and the Culture Forum in 2014.
The Committee authorised the attendance at the conference of the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman, together with the Director, or their nominees, the total cost of which was approximately £3,840.