9th September 2026 Emergency Anti-austerity Summit
Across the country, communities and councils of every political affiliation are facing rapidly rising needs, with slashed resources unable to provide for people. Costs are increasing, services are under severe pressure and local authorities still lack the stable funding. More funding, fiscal powers and long-term certainty are needed to protect the services communities rely on.
This is a national crisis in the funding and future of local government, with direct consequences for millions of people who depend on councils for housing, care, children’s services, public health, youth provision and other support in their lives.
The time has come to bring our experiences, warnings and ideas together, to address the new government and ensure that vital change is guaranteed. I am therefore writing to ask you to join me for an Emergency Anti-Austerity Summit.
The summit will bring together council leaders, opposition leaders, trade unions, campaigners and organisations working directly with communities affected by underfunding, cuts and the immense growing pressure on public services. It will be cross-party, as is already demonstrated by us writing this invitation together – this crisis goes beyond party affiliation.
Those taking part will collaboratively determine the priorities, demands and next steps, including the immediate action needed in the next Budget and the longer-term overhauls required to secure the future of local government.
Can I come?
We are welcoming councillors, trade union representatives, politicians, campaigners, third sector organisations and experts. If you fit into one of those and want to come, submit a registration form!
Please do note that if there are groups with an overrepresentation of attendees, we may ask you to limit your number of representatives in order to maintain a reasonable balance of parties and affiliations.
When is it?
10am – 5pm, Wednesday 9th September 2026
Where is it?
Hackney Town Hall, Mare Street, E8 1EA
this is the link to sign up for this conference
Here is the link to Zoe Garbutt speaking about the conference:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DbtBc-ltqfy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==