Future of Shropshire’s public services to be discussed today

The event will discuss how partners are currently working together to make Shropshire a safe, healthy and economically vibrant county and more importantly, how organisations can help shape the partnership for the future.

Speakers will be talking about how public services are changing in the face of huge national spending reductions to ensure the best outcomes for local people.

The conference will provide an opportunity to explore this changing context, learning from recent experience and to shape the Shropshire Partnership’s priorities for the next three years and beyond.

In 2009 following extensive consultation with partners and the public, the Partnership set out a bold vision of a “Flourishing Shropshire” – a place with a strong economy and vibrant market towns; healthy, safe and confident communities; leading the response to climate change and enhancing the natural and built environment.

Councillor Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for partnership working, said:

“It’s important for organisations with a stake in the public sector to get together at events like this to really make a difference to the services that we provide for people. I hope as many organisations as possible take the opportunity to come along.”

The guest speaker will be West Mercia’s new Police and Crime Commissioner, Bill Longmore, who will outline his priorities for tackling crime across the West Mercia area.

He said:

“I am pleased to be able to attend the conference, and I’m looking forward to discussing how we can work together to help reduce crime, as well as how we can provide more opportunities for people to flourish instead of being tempted to commit offences, such as anti-social behaviour.”

The conference will take place at the Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury.