Simon Parker
@simonparker.bsky.social
Public servant in search of a better future. Communities and service users first. Desires to unbuild walls.
Pinned
Simon Parker
@simonparker.bsky.social
· Jul 21
Basically funding #localgov is the nearest thing we have to a silver bullet. We're last in line for funding because we don't deliver any single, big improvement. But what we can do is make everything a bit better, and it doesn't even cost very much.
The best take I've seen on this is to create a citizen's assembly to govern the BBC. Let ordinary people decide whether that Trump edit was important, or whether failing to take Bob Vylan off the rewind function really mattered.
The fact that the BBC has made serious culpable errors does not negate the point that there is a real and concerted right-wing media campaign to destroy it. Both points can be true at the same time and the campaign would not end even if the errors did.
November 10, 2025 at 1:59 PM
The best take I've seen on this is to create a citizen's assembly to govern the BBC. Let ordinary people decide whether that Trump edit was important, or whether failing to take Bob Vylan off the rewind function really mattered.
Reposted by Simon Parker
Just absolutely classic BBC. You've just broadcast the most successful programme of the year, uniting Gen Z kids online and Boomers on broadcast in a return to appointment television. And instead of celebrating, your DG reigns due to a made-up right-wing scandal.
November 9, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Just absolutely classic BBC. You've just broadcast the most successful programme of the year, uniting Gen Z kids online and Boomers on broadcast in a return to appointment television. And instead of celebrating, your DG reigns due to a made-up right-wing scandal.
Reposted by Simon Parker
A fun question. In 5 years time, what looks better? The US’s enormous bet & capex on AI? Or China’s equally enormous bet and capex on renewables?
China has made cheap, clean energy available in huge quantities. The world should take the win econ.st/4oqFszB
Photo: Eyevine
Photo: Eyevine
November 7, 2025 at 7:10 AM
A fun question. In 5 years time, what looks better? The US’s enormous bet & capex on AI? Or China’s equally enormous bet and capex on renewables?
We're going to dismantle the legacy state with our new ID cards and in-car trackers, enabling better and cheaper public services. It will feel like a sort of friendly and reassuring 'big brother' figure is with you at all times.
Year one: "We can work it out as an estimate"
Year two: "Oh, look, lots of people are dodging the system!"
Year three: "We need to fit mandatory trackers to every car in the country."
Year four plus: "Why shouldn't tracker data be used in evidence? What have people got to hide?"
Year two: "Oh, look, lots of people are dodging the system!"
Year three: "We need to fit mandatory trackers to every car in the country."
Year four plus: "Why shouldn't tracker data be used in evidence? What have people got to hide?"
I don’t think think “estimated road use” is right approach - at the least drivers should have the *option* of getting a black box fitted that just tracks their EVs usage, but come on, Mel, impersonate a serious politician!
November 6, 2025 at 6:03 PM
We're going to dismantle the legacy state with our new ID cards and in-car trackers, enabling better and cheaper public services. It will feel like a sort of friendly and reassuring 'big brother' figure is with you at all times.
Reposted by Simon Parker
Wincing on behalf of the officers working at Kent County Council.
Kent County Council is getting underway.
Slightly odd arrangements in place where usual press seats have been closed, leaving us in the public gallery, which has 14 seats. Far more than 14 people are here, leading to several journalists and others being left outside of the room.
But we’re in.
Slightly odd arrangements in place where usual press seats have been closed, leaving us in the public gallery, which has 14 seats. Far more than 14 people are here, leading to several journalists and others being left outside of the room.
But we’re in.
November 6, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Wincing on behalf of the officers working at Kent County Council.
Reposted by Simon Parker
We need more reporting of local government. This is quite a thread...
Cllr Daniel Taylor, currently on bail pending trial over allegations that he threatened to kill his wife, has attended today. Given he missed every other meeting since his arrest, he would have been disqualified as a councillor had he not arrived today.
November 6, 2025 at 11:42 AM
We need more reporting of local government. This is quite a thread...
You can have an Australian-style department for the PM when you have an Australian-style federal system of government.
For years, the centre of govt has hindered, not helped, PMs deliver.
Keir Starmer needs a modern, Australia-style Department for the PM, with the powers & teams to hand to drive his priorities
Read @civilserviceworld.bsky.social's write up of In Power 01 ⬇️
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
Keir Starmer needs a modern, Australia-style Department for the PM, with the powers & teams to hand to drive his priorities
Read @civilserviceworld.bsky.social's write up of In Power 01 ⬇️
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
Think tank floats plans for standalone Department for the Prime Minister
Former deputy cabinet secretary Helen MacNamara led work on the proposals
www.civilserviceworld.com
November 5, 2025 at 9:19 AM
You can have an Australian-style department for the PM when you have an Australian-style federal system of government.
This piece is extraordinary. She went to Cambridge - which is certainly not the UK's wokest university - and no one spoke to her. That's all it is. And the Express published it. Not even filler.
"I visited the UK's 'wokest' university and it infuriated me"
I visited the UK's 'wokest' university and it infuriated me
OPINION: Students at one of the world's most prestigious higher education institutions refused to engage with the Daily Express
bit.ly
November 5, 2025 at 8:41 AM
This piece is extraordinary. She went to Cambridge - which is certainly not the UK's wokest university - and no one spoke to her. That's all it is. And the Express published it. Not even filler.
Reposted by Simon Parker
@zohrankmamdani.bsky.social when's bins?
November 5, 2025 at 7:52 AM
@zohrankmamdani.bsky.social when's bins?
Reposted by Simon Parker
There is little public understanding about what local authorities spend their money on (ie principally adult social care). Labour Together's polling finds people think it takes up 13% of council spending, in fact it's 39%. And they overestimate admin costs.
www.newstatesman.com/politics/202...
www.newstatesman.com/politics/202...
Council spending and the Jay delusion
Exclusive polling by Labour Together reveals the public have no idea how councils spend money
www.newstatesman.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:48 PM
There is little public understanding about what local authorities spend their money on (ie principally adult social care). Labour Together's polling finds people think it takes up 13% of council spending, in fact it's 39%. And they overestimate admin costs.
www.newstatesman.com/politics/202...
www.newstatesman.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Simon Parker
Council tax raid? www.ft.com/content/8fce... Is it possible to raise taxes on 'expensive homes' through the council tax system without a revaluation? Many 'expensive homes' will have been below bands G and H 35 years ago...
Rachel Reeves plans Budget tax raid on expensive homes
UK chancellor predicted to plump for ‘least worst option’ of creating higher council tax bands in England
www.ft.com
November 3, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Council tax raid? www.ft.com/content/8fce... Is it possible to raise taxes on 'expensive homes' through the council tax system without a revaluation? Many 'expensive homes' will have been below bands G and H 35 years ago...
I've been re-reading a Gandhi biography recently to try and understand what he did. The most useful concept I've come across so far is the idea of non-violence as holding to the truth (that which brings life) with compassion and love but without moving. It's strength in conviction rather than arms.
November 3, 2025 at 5:02 PM
I've been re-reading a Gandhi biography recently to try and understand what he did. The most useful concept I've come across so far is the idea of non-violence as holding to the truth (that which brings life) with compassion and love but without moving. It's strength in conviction rather than arms.
I'm always very confused by the fact that America has blue for the left wing party and red for the right wing one. Couldn't we agree to standardise these colours internationally?
November 3, 2025 at 4:52 PM
I'm always very confused by the fact that America has blue for the left wing party and red for the right wing one. Couldn't we agree to standardise these colours internationally?
If you want extra money quickly and reasonably fairly - and god knows #localgov needs it - this is probably the best way. It will compensate losers from the fair funding review and avoid a slew of de facto bankruptcies. That isn't the same as thinking it's at all optimal.
The FT reported a "Budget tax raid on the owners of expensive homes", expected to raise around £4bn.
But 80% of that comes from the homes in the *second* highest council tax band.
As with many tax increases, most of the burden falls on the not-so-rich.
Here's why:
But 80% of that comes from the homes in the *second* highest council tax band.
As with many tax increases, most of the burden falls on the not-so-rich.
Here's why:
November 2, 2025 at 9:30 PM
If you want extra money quickly and reasonably fairly - and god knows #localgov needs it - this is probably the best way. It will compensate losers from the fair funding review and avoid a slew of de facto bankruptcies. That isn't the same as thinking it's at all optimal.
Reposted by Simon Parker
The FT reported a "Budget tax raid on the owners of expensive homes", expected to raise around £4bn.
But 80% of that comes from the homes in the *second* highest council tax band.
As with many tax increases, most of the burden falls on the not-so-rich.
Here's why:
But 80% of that comes from the homes in the *second* highest council tax band.
As with many tax increases, most of the burden falls on the not-so-rich.
Here's why:
November 2, 2025 at 11:22 AM
The FT reported a "Budget tax raid on the owners of expensive homes", expected to raise around £4bn.
But 80% of that comes from the homes in the *second* highest council tax band.
As with many tax increases, most of the burden falls on the not-so-rich.
Here's why:
But 80% of that comes from the homes in the *second* highest council tax band.
As with many tax increases, most of the burden falls on the not-so-rich.
Here's why:
Nob.
Elon Musk, "These lovely small towns in England, Scotland and Ireland, they've been living their lives quietly. They're like hobbits"
"And so one day, 1,000 people show up in your village of 500 and start raping the kids"
"This has now happened, God knows how many times in Britain"
"And so one day, 1,000 people show up in your village of 500 and start raping the kids"
"This has now happened, God knows how many times in Britain"
November 2, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Nob.
Reposted by Simon Parker
Where are the public sector reformers? Can you help us find them?
At @kinship.works, we thought we'd try to map the different public sector reform 'tribes' & where to find them (orgs, events, networks/communities, online spaces, newsletters/publications/podcasts etc) - but we need your help!
At @kinship.works, we thought we'd try to map the different public sector reform 'tribes' & where to find them (orgs, events, networks/communities, online spaces, newsletters/publications/podcasts etc) - but we need your help!
October 30, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Where are the public sector reformers? Can you help us find them?
At @kinship.works, we thought we'd try to map the different public sector reform 'tribes' & where to find them (orgs, events, networks/communities, online spaces, newsletters/publications/podcasts etc) - but we need your help!
At @kinship.works, we thought we'd try to map the different public sector reform 'tribes' & where to find them (orgs, events, networks/communities, online spaces, newsletters/publications/podcasts etc) - but we need your help!
Data nerds rejoice. Massive drop of irresistible numbers.
English Indices of Deprivation 2025 www.gov.uk/government/s... big release of small area data from MHCLG
Also:
● Technical report www.gov.uk/government/p...
● Research report www.gov.uk/government/p...
● Rural areas report www.gov.uk/government/p...
#IoD25 #IMD25 #UKpoverty #deprivation #opendata
Also:
● Technical report www.gov.uk/government/p...
● Research report www.gov.uk/government/p...
● Rural areas report www.gov.uk/government/p...
#IoD25 #IMD25 #UKpoverty #deprivation #opendata
October 30, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Data nerds rejoice. Massive drop of irresistible numbers.
I'm starting to get why a wealth tax is so popular. If you're being asked to pay more tax, you want to be sure the people above you are paying even more. It doesn't really matter if that's just performative - it's what feels fair.
October 29, 2025 at 8:05 PM
I'm starting to get why a wealth tax is so popular. If you're being asked to pay more tax, you want to be sure the people above you are paying even more. It doesn't really matter if that's just performative - it's what feels fair.
This is surprisingly accurate - or at least the 'more in than out' reflects roughly the % that make net contributions through the tax system.
First thing to say is obvious but bears repeating: this is an utterly horrible operating environment for Govt. It has burnt through much of the good-will it entered office with.
Most people not only feel squeezed, but that they put more into the system than they get back.
Most people not only feel squeezed, but that they put more into the system than they get back.
October 29, 2025 at 4:08 PM
This is surprisingly accurate - or at least the 'more in than out' reflects roughly the % that make net contributions through the tax system.
To the best of my knowledge one council is doing this.
Another example of the government’s lurch to the populist right.
By most measures, four-day week trials have shown positive results
By most measures, four-day week trials have shown positive results
Councils in England face clampdown on four-day working weeks
Steve Reed writes to South Cambridgeshire council raising concerns over performance and value for money
www.theguardian.com
October 29, 2025 at 12:33 PM
To the best of my knowledge one council is doing this.
Reposted by Simon Parker
Everything is a distraction from this.
‘Change course now’: humanity has missed 1.5C climate target, says UN head
Exclusive: ‘Devastating consequences’ now inevitable but emissions cuts still vital, says António Guterres in sole interview before Cop30
www.theguardian.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:11 AM
Everything is a distraction from this.
Torsten should sit on a spike. And his team should all sit on Torsten, to save on extra spikes.
October 27, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Torsten should sit on a spike. And his team should all sit on Torsten, to save on extra spikes.
Reposted by Simon Parker
On November 5th we are hosting a public lecture with Lord Nicolas Stern. He will challenge the outdated idea that we must choose between climate action and development.
Register here: www.lse.ac.uk/granthaminst...
Register here: www.lse.ac.uk/granthaminst...
October 27, 2025 at 1:21 PM
On November 5th we are hosting a public lecture with Lord Nicolas Stern. He will challenge the outdated idea that we must choose between climate action and development.
Register here: www.lse.ac.uk/granthaminst...
Register here: www.lse.ac.uk/granthaminst...
I actually agree with this. There are certain strands of political belief so dangerous that they can only be defeated, in the Gandhian sense of insisting on the truth and not budging, no matter what they throw at you.
"You Don’t Argue With Extremists. You Organize Against Them"
A fascinating piece from a researcher on why debates don't always work as a method of effecting change. As a debater, I don't agree with all of it, but Zeteo is all about encouraging... debate:
A fascinating piece from a researcher on why debates don't always work as a method of effecting change. As a debater, I don't agree with all of it, but Zeteo is all about encouraging... debate:
You Don’t Argue With Extremists. You Organize Against Them
Studies shows debate is not the tool for political change that many believe, author and researcher Sarah Stein Lubrano argues.
zeteo.com
October 27, 2025 at 1:32 PM
I actually agree with this. There are certain strands of political belief so dangerous that they can only be defeated, in the Gandhian sense of insisting on the truth and not budging, no matter what they throw at you.