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About Laird Ryan

Laird Ryan is a Co-Director of the National Coalition for Independent Action. A freelance advisor on planning, equalities and community development, he has held a range of senior roles in government, academia and the voluntary sector.

Articles by Laird Ryan

This week’s front page editor

Francesc Badia i Dalmases is Founder, Director and Editor of democraciaAbierta

European integration

Six countries. Six different paths to EU integration.

No to TTIP

The secretive EU-US trade deal explained

Devolution? Or just doing Osborne's bidding?

Laird Ryan 3 September 2015

The Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill is going through parliament. Who’s likely to benefit, who isn’t, and what’s been happening around the country?

The new housing bill: people, planning or productivity?

Laird Ryan 7 August 2015

The Conservative government’s agenda is beginning to take shape. What has it to say about the things that matter most to communities? Let’s start with the housing bill.

'Building A Better Future Through Civic Partnership'

Laird Ryan 28 July 2015

The Centre for Inclusive Futures is a small London-based development agency with the mission of supporting efforts to develop sustainable communities which include everyone as equal citizens.

The National Audit Office savages the government's inept "100,000 homes" drive

Laird Ryan 15 July 2015

The NAO’s report on the government’s sales of public land for new homes makes for uncomfortable reading. But it’s not just land that’s surplus to requirements: it’s the use of evidence itself.

The truth behind Osborne's devolution "revolution"

Laird Ryan 17 June 2015

Despite the “radical devolution” promised by the chancellor, the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill will leave Westminster firmly in control of the things that matter.

What now for Localism?

Laird Ryan 20 May 2015

So the Tories have been returned with an overall majority to govern us for another five years. What does this mean for local democracy?

What’s happening with devolution?

Laird Ryan 27 April 2015

What genuine changes have been secured for local democracy across the UK in recent months? Is devolution creating powerhouses or poor houses?

Localism: a case of old friends re-united?

Laird Ryan 27 March 2015

Looking at a set of recent planning outcomes across England: it’s clear that the localism agenda hasn’t tipped the balance in favour of grassroots communities. The same old names keep cropping up.

Localism: a tale of GVAs, grandees and The Guardian (but not much greenery)

Laird Ryan 11 March 2015

Will localism form part of the forthcoming election manifestos? If so, what exactly? Some early indications on the Coalition side.

Community Rights: where’s the evidence?

Laird Ryan 20 February 2015

The Communities and Local Government Select Committee has reported back on its inquiry into Community Rights. The government has responded – using dodgy data to reward bad performance. What’s the story?

Is the General Power of Competence helping grassroots communities?

Laird Ryan 26 January 2015

The Localism Act gives councils a ‘General Power of Competence’ (GPoC) allowing them the same legal powers as private individuals. But are they using these freedoms in ways that benefit grassroots localities?

DevoMix Christmas special: LocalismWatch’s seasonal update on devolution

Laird Ryan 19 December 2014

We now know what the Smith Commission’s proposing for Scotland, and William Hague’s options on English votes for English laws. But how does devolution tie up with localism? A Santa-stic overview of news, comment and (dis)information.

Who really runs our neighbourhoods?

Laird Ryan 9 December 2014

Looking at the progress of the government’s not-knowingly-undersold neighbourhood plans: are they really helping local people take charge of their neighbourhoods? And if not, who’s really benefitting?

LocalismWatch Resources December 2014