Localis

Localis is an independent think tank that promotes neo-localist ideas. It was founded in 2001 and is currently based in Westminster, United Kingdom. Staff (3 October 2001). "New Think Tank Launched to Champion Local Decision Making". Local Government Chronicle. Retrieved 8 December 2014. Its research programme is guided by the concept of neo-localism which it describes as giving places and people more control over the effects of globalisation.“About Localis”. Retrieved 25 July 2016.

Localis publish papers on a variety of public policy areas, including reshaping the economy; culture, tradition and beauty; reforming public services; and improving family life. Past publications have argued for greater financial autonomy for local authorities, "Plan to Devolve Business Rates to Councils". Financial Times. the creation of a national infrastructure bankOsborne, Alistair (5 March 2012). "Let QE Fund a New Infrastructure Bank The Government Should Use Some of the Money Created from Quantitative Easing to Create and Part Fund a £30bn National Infrastructure Bank, a New Report Suggests Today. The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 22 June 2015. and that the Right to Buy should be extended into equity slivers. The think tank has also published reports on topics including health and social integration, Local Enterprise Partnerships and municipal enterprise.

Current members of the board include Sir Merrick Cockell (who is also chairman), Councillor Paul Carter, Councillor Paul Bettison, Councillor Louise Goldsmith and former Councillor and Leader of Swindon Borough Council, David Renard.“Board – Localis”. Retrieved on 25 July 2016. Former chief executives include James Morris, elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Halesowen and Rowley Regis in May 2010. Staff (13 May 2010). "Morris Standing Down at Localis". Local Government Chronicle.

On 25 July 2016, Liam Booth-Smith took over the role of Chief Executive, replacing the outgoing Alex Thomson.“Localis Appoints New Chief Executive”. “Local Government Chronicle”. Booth-Smith stepped down in 2018, with Jonathan Werran replacing him in July of the same year.“Localis Announces New Chief Executive”. “Localis”.

Notable publications Can Localism Deliver? Lessons from Manchester In 2009, Localis published a report entitled Can Localism Deliver? Lessons from Manchester.“Can Localism Deliver? Lessons from Manchester”. Retrieved on 25 July 2016 It series of recommendations to devolve powers to local government was highly influential in the establishment of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. “Can Localism Deliver”. Retrieved on 25 July 2016

The report included a foreword by Michael Heseltine who was influential in the 2010-15 coalition government’s attempts to promote the advancement of devolution, especially through the Northern Powerhouse.“Chancellor on the pathway to a Northern Powerhouse. Retrieved on 25 July 2016 Heseltine mentioned in the report that “we need mechanisms that drive communities together, embracing academia, the private sector, the voluntary sector and others with a stake in our society to seek solutions designed in the circumstances on the ground and not forged as a national ‘one solution fits all’ diktat from London.”

The Rate Escape: Freeing Local Government to Drive Economic Growth In 2011, the think tank also published a report which argued that local government must be given greater local financial autonomy through being allowed to retain business rates.“The Rate Escape: Freeing Local Government to Drive Economic Growth”. Retrieved on 26 July 2016 The report attracted support from a range of prominent figures. Bob Neill said that the report “underlines the real importance of Government's drive to end councils' dependence on the whims of Whitehall grants” whilst Miles Templeman called it a “powerful model for business rate reform”.“Press Release”. Retrieved on 26 July 2016 In 2015, George Osborne announced that English councils would be able to keep all of the proceedings from business rates, calling it “the biggest transfer of power” in recent history.“George Osborne: Councils to keep £26bn in business rates”. Retrieved on 26 July 2016

Current members of the board Councillor Merrick Cockell, Chairman Councillor Paul Carter Councillor Paul Bettison Councillor Louise Goldsmith David Renard

Localis

Bron en licentie