Gallery: Local government leaders quarterly held at Manchester's historic town hall

Our Local Government Leaders Quarterly in the north was held in Manchester's historic town hall, designed by Augustus Pugin.
Photograph: Dand Dunkley for the Guardian

Delegates from across the local government sector arrived for a drinks reception before the event.
Photograph: Dand Dunkley for the Guardian

Leaders from across the country joined the Guardian and our event sponsors for a timely debate on local government finance in Manchester.
Photograph: Dand Dunkley for the Guardian

The panel was chaired by Guardian Local Government Network editor Hannah Fearn (centre). Speakers included (L-R) Sean Hariss, chief executive of Bolton borough council, Geoff Muirhead, chairman of the northern economic futures commission, Michael Mousdale, partner at Trowers & Hamlins and Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive of Manchester city council.
Photograph: Dand Dunkley for the Guardian

Local Government Network members joined table discussions focused around topics including localism, the cost of adult social care and digital innovation.
Photograph: Dand Dunkley for the Guardian

Sir Howard Bernstein (right), chief executive of Manchester city council, used the event to warn that Whitehall's localism agenda was "meaningless" for local government, and said he feared central government remained reluctant to work with councils.
Photograph: Dand Dunkley for the Guardian

Roundtable discussions were held under Chatham House rule, meaning attendees were at liberty to share common difficulties and help each other find answers.
Photograph: Dand Dunkley for the Guardian

There was plenty of time for catching up and networking before and after the debate.
Photograph: Dand Dunkley for the Guardian

After the debate concluded, local government leaders stayed to chat over wine and cheese. To sign up for our next event in London on 13 February 2013, click here to register.
Photograph: Dand Dunkley for the Guardian