Every now and again, when I am researching local wealthy/well-connected people, I look at local authority members interests. Sometimes local councillors are wealthy and well connected people.
A few years ago, I found some very useful information on Bristol City Councillors on the Council website (www.bristol.gov.uk), and then arranged to see the paper copy of the register of members' interests, in the Council House. This search revealed further information, particularly on members' philanthropic interests.
I have recently looked at the register of members' interests for The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (www.rbkc.gov.uk). It is interesting to see how things are changing. The register for Kensington and Chelsea very helpfully lists substantial shareholdings.
It also looks like the online Bristol City Council register is more comprehensive now, but it might still be worth checking on the paper copy, in some instances.
I shall continue to visit these registers, and hope that they continue to develop as useful resources. It’s a slow, but occasionally useful way of uncovering useful information for local and regional fundraising.
