This was an opportunity for chief executives to explore the concept of 'intelligent funding' and how it can be delivered most effectively in ways that will make best use of scarce funds while having a lasting impact on those communities and individuals most in need.
The topic, 'Intelligent Funding - the co-ordination of funding policies and initiatives', provided for a timely discussion about funding policy and practice in the face of painful cuts in public expenditure that are just around the corner. The fiscal background to the spending cuts anticipated was a worsening UK budget deficit, which had been growing since the financial crisis the year before and is next year (2010-11) expected to reach a peace-time record and one that will be higher than any other leading economy.