Credit plays an enormous part in our society, allowing private companies to invest in research and development, first-time buyers to get on the housing ladder and governments to invest in infrastructure. Unfortunately, local government has many top-down restrictions that limit how it can borrow which brings its own particular challenges.

However, credit could also create opportunity. Across the country, councils have borrowed billions to invest in new revenue streams, in an attempt to mitigate austerity measures. Recently, the Conservative Government announced it was lifting restrictions on councils' ability to borrow against their housing revenue accounts, potentially unlocking a new wave of council housebuilding.

So if you are curious to learn what role credit has on local government on local public policy, join the Young Fabians on 17 June at 7pm for an exciting panel debate. Speakers include Joel Benjamin and Ludovica Rogers from Research for Action, Nick Dunbar from Vedanta Hedging, Antony Breach from Centre for Cities, and Cllr Dominic Twomey, Deputy Leader of Barking Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance & Core Services. RSVP now to secure your place!