Local government figures gather to discuss localism - gallery

Guests gathered at the Guardian's offices in King's Cross for food and drink ahead of the event. Photograph: Photographer: James Drew Turner/Guardian

The panel included Paul Dossett, head of local government at Grant Thornton UK LLP, Alexandra Jones, chief executive of Centre for Cities, Jane Dudman, editor at the Guardian, Eleanor Kelly, chief executive at Southwark council and Joanna Killian, chief executive at Essex county council. Photograph: Photographer: James Drew Turner/Guardian

Joanna Killian, chief executive of Essex county council, discussed what she felt was holding back localism. Photograph: Photographer: James Drew Turner/Guardian

Alexandra Jones said that we had not seen full localism yet, and that civil servants were reluctant to devolve power. "Whatever the blame game, many politicians and civil servants still don't buy into the case of why power should be devolved. There isn't massive public call for it," Jones said. Photograph: Photographer: James Drew Turner/Guardian

Paul Dossett argued that the UK was far behind the rest of the world in terms of devolving power. "There is an expectation that national politicians need to sort out local problems. So we think as a country that the government need to sort out floods rather than the local politicians," Dossett said. Photograph: Photographer: James Drew Turner/Guardian

After the panel debate, attendees decided which table they wanted to sit on for table discussions. One subject debated was: Where's the money coming from? Ideas for new revenue streams for local government. Photograph: Photographer: James Drew Turner/Guardian

The table debates were conducted under Chatham House rules. Photograph: Photographer: James Drew Turner/Guardian

The Guardian's contributing editor Richard Vize talks to Barry Quirk, the chief executive of Lewisham council. Photograph: Photographer: James Drew Turner/Guardian