Live discussion: how much of a risk is localism?

Author: the Guardian   |  

Localis Research Fellow, Richard Carr, took part in a Guardian online debate on the risks and rewards of greater responsibility for localist councils on Wednesday 8th February.

Other participants included:

Glyn Gaskarth is a policy manager at the Local Government Information Unit. He has written on financial innovation and workplace reform in local government.

Simon Parker is director of NLGN. He started his career in journalism and has since worked in management consultancy, lobbying and research, most recently as a fellow at the Institute for Government.

Andrew Jepp is director of public services at Zurich Municipal. He is a highly experienced risk and insurance practitioner with a deep knowledge of the public sector and local government.

Richard Carr is a research fellow at Localis ? the local government and localist think tank – and is currently authoring a report on infrastructure funding.

Majeed Neky is a policy professional who also blogs. He holds an MA in planning and works at Living Streets, the national charity that stands up for pedestrians, as policy and research coordinator.

Paul Emery is head of community and social organisations for Zurich. Paul works with charities large and small on their insurance and risk management needs.

Stephen Rolph is a development officer at Locality, the UK’s largest network of community-led organisations. Stephen is an expert on community owned assets and asset transfer and has previously worked in local government.

Councillor Janet Battye is leader of Calderdale council. Janet has actively supported the continuing development of the council across all wards in her capacity as a scrutiny member.

Paul Hunter is head of research at the Smith Institute. Paul is responsible for coordinating and shaping the Institute’s publication and research programme.

Mary Burguieres is policy and strategy partnership lead manager at Surrey county council.

Click here to read the full debate

Click here to read a round up of the debate