Author Profile

Simon Parker

Simon Parker

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

Articles by Simon Parker

Soapbox by Simon Parker

By Simon Parker | 12 February 2014

NLGN director says councils shouldn't duck the referendum challenge but make strong public case f...

Soapbox by Simon Parker

By Simon Parker | 15 January 2014

Combined authorities represent the hope of next phase localism and a long-term answer to English ...

Soapbox by Simon Parker

By Simon Parker | 19 November 2013

NLGN director asks why local government always loses national policy debates.

Soapbox by Simon Parker

By Simon Parker | 26 September 2013

NLGN director has a simple plan for stillborn civil service reforms, to prevent Whitehall continu...

Soapbox by Simon Parker

By Simon Parker | 03 September 2013

NLGN director urges local government to intervene in housebuilding crisis to help address market ...

Soapbox by Simon Parker

By Simon Parker | 24 July 2013

Eric Pickles should ready the pearl-handled revolver he claims is awaiting the first person to me...

The benefits of devolution

By Simon Parker | 26 June 2013

Local government should try to beat Whitehall at its own game, says Simon Parker.

Picking the winners?

By Simon Parker | 30 May 2013

Simon Parker considers if local government can deliver an industrial policy for the nation.

Dangerous ideas within local government

By Simon Parker | 01 May 2013

Is it time for some dangerous thinking in local government? Asks Simon Parker.

The decline of representative democracy

By Simon Parker | 04 April 2013

I don't know who's going to win the county council elections, but I'll make a bet that the loser ...