Many of the issues and challenges facing local government are not unique to one local authority, one region or even one country.  SOLACE helps local government managers to learn from one another; we will also help them to cast their eyes further afield for fresh ideas, initiatives and projects that may help them to see a problem in a different light and provide renewed impetus to tackle difficult issues. 

By looking beyond our traditional boundaries (of thought and practice) we should become more aware of issues and trends being experienced elsewhere that may impact on UK local government in the future – being able to anticipate better and so to plan more effectively.