Call for bids: UK-France Local Government Forum 2024
British Embassy Paris invites project proposals to host the UK-France Local Government Forum 2024.
Background
Building on the success of the London 2019 and Nancy 2022 UK-France Local Government Forums we are seeking a UK host town or city for the third, 2024 event.
The forums bring together representatives of towns, cities, villages, counties and regions from across the UK and France, to discuss subjects of common interest such as climate change, the cost of living and service delivery, in order to strengthen links and share expertise.
This third forum is an exciting opportunity for a UK town or city to grow its international profile, build relationships, and show off everything that is brilliant about their town, city or community to approximately 150 local and regional politicians and officers.
The Forum is typically a two-day event focused on key themes, involving a combination of panel discussions, roundtables and keynote speeches. As host, you will have the opportunity to shape the format and content of the Forum.
The Forum is supported by the UK and French governments, and delivered in partnership with the local government associations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as well as French counterparts.
The UK Government will provide financial support to the host, with the aim of covering as much of the costs as reasonable. We will work with the successful host to ensure this, on the basis of answers to the third question on the application form.
How to bid
If interested, please submit answers to the questions below by 31 August to ukfrlocalgovforum@fcdo.gov.uk. The first steering committee will be scheduled for October 2023 and the successful host town or city will be expected to attend. This call is open to all local authorities in the UK. We will accept applications from local and combined authorities encouraging local/combined authority partnerships, partnership between tiers of local government and/or the involvement of devolved administrations where relevant. All applications will need approval from the leadership of your authority.
Questions
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Why do you want to host the next UK-France Local Government Forum, and what would make you the right host? You may like to use this space to outline existing links with French communities, experience at hosting such events, international travel connections and venue and accommodation options. [no more than 500 words]
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A key purpose of the Forum is to meet as local leaders and define new ways of working together. What key issues or themes would you like to see French and UK communities address during the event? [no more than 250 words]
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HMG will provide financial support for holding the event, and value for taxpayers is a vital consideration. Please provide an outline of likely costs to host the event, and please consider ways in which you could ensure value for money. Provisional requirements for hosting the event are described below. [no more than 250 words]
The exact amount of financial support will be worked out in partnership with the host, depending on anticipated costs. Costs assumed by the host will remain minimal.
Basic requirements
The exact form of the event will be shaped in partnership, but basic requirements for a host venue include:
- main room with capacity for 150-200 delegates
- breakout rooms for smaller workshops and group sessions
- reception space for networking and refreshments (inc. lunch)
- interpretation booths/facilities
You should also consider:
- options to host a dinner for delegates
- if you would like to provide any additional cultural programme or activities for delegates
- availability of sufficient hotel space and travel options
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity in more detail, please contact ukfrlocalgovforum@fcdo.gov.uk.
Last updated 18 July 2023 + show all updates
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The email to apply for the call for bids had a typo and therefore might have not been working previously.
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First published.