My first fringe was by Labour Housing Group "The Road to Building 1.5 Homes". The Chair was Cllr John Cotton, Labour Leader for Birmingham Council for first half then he had to leave, so Cllr Heather Johnson from Camden took over. I am a member of the LHG and volunteered to be "microphone" aide to the Chair. This meeting was also packed with many people standing or sitting on the floor. Speakers from National Housing Federation, EDAROTH, Planning Federation and Community Union.
All were pretty positive that the new Government could achieve its housing targets but it will not be easy. However, the issue of providing subsidy for social rented homes (or first time buyers) was not directly addressed. While I am sure that setting long term social landlord rent levels, enabling planning reforms etc will result in far more homes being built - how many will be genuinely affordable?
Other fringes I wanted to go into were also full so I was able to go early and get to see the Leaders' speech via video in one of the large theatres. It was packed and I was lucky to get a seat. There was little or no chance of getting into the conference hall.
I thought Keir Starmer' speech was impressive and liked the mix of seriousness and humour. I did miss the reference to "sausages", possibly to some very excited delegates around me, who were clapping loudly, standing up and cheering the video. Must be an age thing. While I think many of us watching wished that he could have fulfilled, the very long, long list of things that we want a Labour Government to address immediately. Most know that is impossible. Judge this Government on what it will do in the next 4 years and not its first few months.
Next was "Investing in our future: How can Labour build a brighter, more financial resilient future for UK Savers" (New Statesman and massive fund manager Blackrock). Good to listen to new MP Kanishka Narayan, who has a investment background and knows what he is talking about but who also proudly announced he was a UNISON member. Not sure of the Blackrock argument that Pensions need to be combined with a short term emergency savings offer? Too many people in my experience don't have enough in their pensions and often try to cash them in too early but I understand the goal. 25% of UK residents have no savings.
After this I went to the well organised launch of Obsidan Labour which has been set up by my UNISON colleague, Cllr Joseph Ogundemurem and new MP Bayo Alaba.
UNISON reception this year was in the Beatles Story and it was good to chat up with delegates and guests, including my first catch up in her new role as Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner MP!
Afterwards, was a quick drink at the second Newham "get together" then back to hotel.
