Alex Thomson
Alex Thomson is former chief executive of local government think tank Localis
All a matter of perception
Alex Thomson examines the metro mayor elections set for 2017 and asks whether the races can shift national opinion on local government.
Reserves - not a pot to be plundered
Alex Thomson explains why it is more important than ever for councils to resist widespread pressure and keep healthy reserves - not only the financial kind
Don't say we didn't warn you
With non-traditional political figures making waves across the globe, Alex Thomson considers how unexpected candidates might impact on the UK's devolution agenda
Embracing wider partnerships
Collaborative leadership will be a crucial element if areas are to navigate the financial circumstances of the next five years, writes Alex Thomson
Looking deeper at local government
Alex Thomson goes beyond commonly held misconceptions about councils to explore their role in boosting growth
Corbyn must listen on elected mayors
Life is studded with ephemeral moments that need to be grasped, writes chief executive of Localis Alex Thomson.
Procedures for local healthcare
What prompted the change to advocate moving away from the ‘command and control’ approach to healthcare provision? Alex Thomson explores the avenues towards the next generation of local care models
Look at the nuts and bolts
Local authorities should look at the nuts and bolts of implementing projects, writes Alex Thomson.
The sun shines on the LGA
Nothing says the start of summer like the LGA’s annual conference and this year the atmosphere was pleasingly upbeat, writes Alex Thomson
Taking the write approach to tackling healthcare
A series of essays from leaders and health experts on the future of health and social care is set to be published by Localis. Alex Thomson takes us through the highlights.
Never mind the devolution guff
Te last few months have shown, received opinion is often more groupthink than meaningful insight, writes Alex Thomson, so don't mistake uninformed guff from the commentariat as wisdom on devolution.
Cuts may be less under coalition
Another stint of multi-party government could well prove a great benefit and source of empowerment for the sector over the next Parliament, writes Alex Thomson.
LEP’s future role
Alex Thomson comments on a report which examines how greater LEP empowerment will be of benefit to local economies
Appetite for construction
The door is open for the political party prepared to champion positive, popular and radical policies to make a serious dent in the housing shortage we face, writes Alex Thomson..
Triple threat
Local government faces three key challenges in greater commercialism, local growth and health and social care integration, regardless of next May's political outcome, writes Alex Thomson.
Gearing up for English devo max
With concerted pressure, there is no reason why the politics of devolution cannot beget policy for devolution, says Localis chief executive Alex Thomson, in his conference season round-up.
PluggedIn - Alex Thomson
Localis chief argues giving councils financial autonomy would be a vote-winner.
Not much detail in Adonis report
It’s great to see the two major political parties fighting it out for the most localist title.
PluggedIn by Alex Thomson
Localis chief says councils must learn where Roy Hodgson failed in managing expectations.
PluggedIN - Alex Thomson
Localis chief joins the dots between football, local government and transparency.
