Meeting of political peers
09 November 2007
Cross cultural learning was the name of the game when Japanese local government officers met their Derbyshire counterparts this week.
Chigiri Sakashita and Takuya Tsuda from Tokyo visited County Hall in Matlock to learn all about local government in the UK.
The visitors were on a week long training course in Derbyshire organised by the Japan Local Government Centre in London.
Both currently work for Tokyo CLAIR, Council of Local Authorities for International Relations, and the event is part of an ongoing programme of visits designed to share ideas on best practice in local government.
The visitors met with Derbyshire County Council Chief Executive Nick Hodgson and chair of the council Joyce Sanders along with project managers, councillors and other council staff.
During their stay the visitors learnt about regeneration and enhancement schemes, the Townscape Heritage Initiative, community involvement and what Derbyshire is doing to tackle climate change.
They also observed the Chesterfield 50+ Forum and Markham Vale development projects.
Councillor Joyce Sanders, chair of the council, said: “Our visitors were particularly interested in seeing how we tackled issues such as services for older people and community involvement.
“The visit provided a fascinating insight into the similarities and differences of local government in our two countries.
“The council continues to strengthen and improve its international relations to benefit the people, economy and culture of both countries.”
Next year Derbyshire County Council will be celebrating ten years of twinning between Derbyshire and Toyota City. There will be a packed programme of events to celebrate the anniversary.
REF:CM:386:07
