The current environment is proving very challenging for local authorities seeking to deliver infrastructure projects through PPP due to the limited availability of debt finance, a tightening of lending covenants and a general re-pricing of risk. The recent HM Treasury announcement that it will lend to PFI projects where necessary demonstrates the government's commitment to maintaining the project pipeline. However, local authorities face pressures on all sides as income reduces and service demands increase.

This year's Annual 4ps Conference will address how local authorities and other public sector agencies can adapt to new forms of partnering and financing in this climate. The morning session will provide delegates with a comprehensive review of policy and institutional developments. We are delighted to have leaders from HM Treasury who will set out the new government initiative on PFI, and major local authorities who will look at leadership challenges for local authorities in the current climate. Speakers from Partnerships UK, the Homes and Communities Agency, Partnerships for Schools and Community Health Partnerships will then discuss the future of housing and regeneration, sustaining success through BSF and transforming service delivery. The morning concludes with a panel of experts from CBI, HM Treasury and local government.

The afternoon takes a detailed look at developments in three key areas: Competitive Dialogue and Bidding Strategies, Waste, and Housing and Regeneration. Each stream will consist of an overview followed by a case study and a moderated panel discussion. Building on the success of last year's event we have carefully structured this year's programme to reflect the new challenges facing local authorities in delivering improved communities. I hope that you will be able to join us and contribute your views and expertise alongside those of our expert speakers to ensure a lively, valuable day of knowledge transfer and practical experience sharing.

Chris Wilson, Executive Director, 4Ps

Conference Chairman
Brian Standen, Executive Director, 4ps

Welcome Introduction
Councillor Edward Lord, Chairman 4ps

Keynote Addresses
Charles Lloyd, Head of PPP, HM Treasury
Barry Quirk, CEO, Lewisham Council

Other Expert Speakers
Anthony Alder, Director of Local Environmental Services, Gateshead Council
Susan Anderson, Director Public Services Policy, Confederation of British Industry
John Burns, Director of the Waste Infrastructure Delivery Programme, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Steve Carr, Head of New Business & Economics, Homes and Communities Agency
Dave Carty, Head of Public Private Partnerships Unit, Capital Programme Division, Manchester City Council
Michael Coleman, Regional Operations Director, Partnerships for Schools
Katherine Fairclough, Service Director - Business Transformation, Wigan Council
Robert Hann, Director Legal Services, 4ps
Mark Harris, Business Development Director, Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services
David Harrison, Project Director, Partnerships UK
Alan Munro, Project Director Skills Development, 4ps
Sue O'Connell, Chief Executive, Community Health Partnerships
John Robinson, Group Director of Local Environmental Services, Gateshead Council
Andrew Rowson, Director Housing and Property, 4ps
James Stewart, Chief Executive, Partnerships UK
Ben Ticehurst, Deputy Chief Executive, Peterborough City Council
Stuart Yeatman, Head of Local Authority Partnerships, John Laing

The event is being held at:
Thistle Marble Arch
Bryanston Street
London W1H 7EH
Tel: 0870 333 9116
Fax: 0870 333 9216
Website: www.thistlehotels.com/marblearch

Nearest Tube Stations:
Marble Arch (Central Line)
Bond Street (Central & Jubilee Lines)

• Community Leadership - Adapting to new forms of Partnering and Financing (Documentation)