Stephen Hughes, Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council, gave the opening presentation and offered a revealing insight into the different strategies used to tackle the various challenges faced by his authority.
"We have to grasp all the resources we have available in our area," he said. "We have to look at overall needs of individuals when looking at the different issues."
Sue Bruce, Chief Executive of Aberdeen City Council, then spoke of the need to formulate "long-term plans to meet the needs and expectations of the people we serve."
Drawing on her Aberdeen experience and citing the essential role of strong leadership in these testing economic times, Ms Bruce, who referred to the 1953 'Plan for Aberdeen', said: "We have the ability to be adaptable and resilient. Local government can be at the forefront of radical change.
"We need to stick together, plan together, share our ideas and not keep them to ourselves. Let's have the courage of our convictions. The challenge is ours to take forward."
Councillor David O'Neill, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, echoed these thoughts on radical strategies. "Local government has the ability to change. We can impact on our communities and make a positive difference."
