Our focus of this years conference was to review the local and national state of readiness following the recent General Election.

Speakers provided an insights into addressing the challenges posed by the new government to meet the rapid upsurge in growth and construction in line with the financial recovery. Delegates will be given insight into government expectation on asset management and the impact of this on local government funding levels and how the UK compares against overseas approaches.

The conference also received an update on how the Eastern Region, through its LEPS, will address the changing environment following large-scale withdrawal of military presence in the area.

Delegates  heard from developers and contractors on how the need for growth in infrastructure and housing shaped the region and how industry is meeting the need. Despite benefiting from a relatively mild winter roads continue to suffer from continual increase in potholes. Does the £12bn investment by Government actually address the problem?

This theme was continued in the formal debate.  "This House believes that this Government's manifesto commitments and future programme cannot be delivered under current funding levels".

There was an opportunity to discover the history of the CUS and its role of Honour of world renowned speakers at past debates.