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.
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Published in: openDemocracyUKWhat’s happening with devolution?What genuine changes have been secured for local democracy across the UK in recent months? Is devolution creating...
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Published in: openDemocracyUKLocalism: a case of old friends re-united?Looking at a set of recent planning outcomes across England: it’s clear that the localism agenda hasn’t tipped the...
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Published in: openDemocracyUKLocalism: a tale of GVAs, grandees and The Guardian (but not much greenery)
Will localism form part of the forthcoming election manifestos? If so, what exactly? Some early indications on the...
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Published in: openDemocracyUKCommunity Rights: where’s the evidence?The Communities and Local Government Select Committee has reported back on its inquiry into Community Rights. The...
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Published in: openDemocracyUKIs the General Power of Competence helping grassroots communities?
The Localism Act gives councils a ‘General Power of Competence’ (GPoC) allowing them the same legal powers as...
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Published in: openDemocracyUKDevoMix Christmas special: LocalismWatch’s seasonal update on devolution
We now know what the Smith Commission’s proposing for Scotland, and William Hague’s options on English votes for...