Steve Bassam

Steve Bassam (Lord Bassam) is a Labour peer and on the advisory board of Renewal.

From biog on Niemann Picks website:

Steve Bassam became a member of the House of Lords in 1997 following the election of a Labour Government. He was previously the Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council and had led the authority for 13 years.

His background has mainly been in local government as an official and adviser. From 1979 to 1983 he was a legal adviser at Lewisham Law Centre, he worked for Camden Council in 1983/4 and for the GLC from 1984 until its abolition. He was a policy adviser on police matters to the GLC's police committee under Paul Boateng.

He then worked for the Association of Metropolitan Authorities until 1997 and briefly the LGA - the major representative organisation for local government in the UK

He was educated at Sussex University (BA Hons in History) and Kent University (MA in Social Work).

He grew up and attended schools and college in North East Essex, he lived with his mother in the rather beautiful village of Great Bentley.

His main political interests are local government, health, crime and security. He believes and supports wherever possible voluntary organisations and civic amenity groups. It was in that context thet he agreed to become an active patron of NPDG. He is delighted that the group has achieved so much in terms of developing support for NP sufferers and care for carers. He believes there is much to be done in raising awareness of NP and other conditions which though thankfully rare can be so devastating for those individuals and families that it affects.

He wants to see more done to promote research into the disease group and more done to support those who provide long term care.

From House of Lords Register of Members Interests BASSAM OF BRIGHTON, Lord

• 12(f) Regular remunerated employment

In receipt of ministerial salary

15(b) Trusteeships of cultural bodies

Member of The Royal Pavilion and Brighton Museum Trust

16(b) Voluntary organisations

Founder Member, Brighton Festival

Patron, Carousel

Patron, Dolphin Children's Clinic

Patron, Laura Martin Trust

Patron, Neiman Pick Disease Group

 (all charities)

Patron, Brighton Red Card Campaign Against Domestic Violence

Patron, Dame Vera Lynn Trust