Author Profile

Simon Parker

Simon Parker

Simon Parker is director of local government think tank the New Local Government Network

Articles by Simon Parker

Post-COVID's time for transformation

By Simon Parker | 29 April 2020

COVID-19 has generated a ‘powerful sense of egalitarian togetherness as communities pull together...

Making a case for smaller Government

By Simon Parker | 30 January 2019

Simon Parker says it’s time for smaller, reformed central Government departments – and fewer of t...

Transformation is dead

By Simon Parker | 10 January 2017

Transformation is the word on everyone’s lips, but Simon Parker argues the big wins are not in th...

Let's equip ourselves for change

By Simon Parker | 31 August 2016

In his final column before switching to Redbridge LBC, the NLGN’s Simon Parker highlights the imp...

Restoring balance on spending

By Simon Parker | 26 July 2016

Brexit means Britain must rethink its approach to regional spending and business rates retention ...

Restoring trust in politics

By Simon Parker | 21 June 2016

Following a lengthy EU referendum campaign, Britain faces a tough task of rebuilding public trust...

Lines in the sand

By Simon Parker | 11 May 2016

Simon Parker argues that a Brexit would require a huge devolution of power to local government an...

A devolution disaster

By Simon Parker | 12 April 2016

From disputed devo deals to MPs moaning over metro mayors, Simon Parker asks what is going wrong ...

Time for a re-think

By Simon Parker | 08 March 2016

Simon Parker warns chief executives are now facing an increasingly divided role, left running bot...

We've got to break free

By Simon Parker | 28 January 2016

Authorities need to be free to set local rules in partnership with their citizens, argues Simon P...