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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

There were strong echoes of community wealth building in Andy Burnham’s speech to Labour Party Conference this week. The next step is turning its principles into practical changes to how wealth, power and ownership work. Follow the link below for the full reaction from Sarah Longlands.

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Can the government's devolution agenda deliver healthier, wealthier and more equitable communities? CLES's Tom Lloyd Goodwin gave his assessment at The NHS Alliance's panel 'Devolution and health: delivering healthier, more prosperous communities' at Labour Party Conference this week.

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Net zero and economic development are deeply connected – but operate in silos. 🌱 CLES has released a new guide to help organisations better understand community wealth building and net zero, and how they relate to their work: increasing impact, efficiency and community benefit ⤵️

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

🚨 £44 million. That’s the amount we estimate has leaked out of Wales’ learning-disability care system to private equity firms and companies based in tax havens. Read our latest report to find out where the money is going – and what needs to change 👇 @thrivingplaces.bsky.social

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Who owns your street? In most of Scotland, the answer is probably not the people who live around it. Ownership of our economy and our places is at the heart of community wealth building and it's central to tackling poverty. Read the latest Scottish Policy and Practice update from Naomi Mason ⤵️

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Mayors in England are set to be given the power to raise a visitor levy in their area 🙌 Our @rosielockwood.bsky.social spoke to LBC News about the move, explaining that if mayors use it, they should make every pound they raise work hard for their place 🪙

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Important update: Save the new date for the Community Wealth Building Summit! 📆 We’re moving the Summit to 24 March 2027 to make it the strongest, most impactful event possible 💪 Watch this space for speaker and ticket sales announcements, soon 👀

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

FM @johnswinney.bsky.social says he wants to “rewire the Scottish state”. But is the Scottish Government missing an opportunity to rewire the economy too? Our Head of Scotland, @naomimason.bsky.social, reflects on yesterday’s programme for government. 🔗 cles.org.uk/economic-gro...

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

🌱 Want to build a local economy that works for everyone? Join CLES online on the 10th of September for an introductory workshop on Community Wealth Building. 🎟️ Book your tickets here: cles.org.uk/event/an-int...

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Our high streets have changed. How we use them has changed. And who owns them has changed. But their future could be positive. @sarahlonglands.bsky.social spoke to @lbc.co.uk's Matthew Wright about what communities could build together next 📻⤵️ www.globalplayer.com/catchup/lbc/...

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

“It’s about pre-distribution, rewiring the economic system from the get-go so that economic and social benefits are spread more evenly” Our Evelyn Henderson-Child spoke to @aljazeera.com about how public policy can impact the cost of living crisis ⤵️ www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/...

aljazeera.com

Inside the UK’s ‘stressful’ cost of living crisis Burnham hopes to tackle

Britain's new premier has promised to ease the suffering of millions of families unable to afford basic items.

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Want a job that makes a difference & offers a 4-day week? We’re hiring our next Head of Finance & Operations! 💷 4 days, full pay 📍 Hybrid, 2 days/week in Manchester 🌱 Work for economies rooted in the places we call home 🤝 An org that lives our values Apply by Monday ⤵️ cles.org.uk/careers/head...

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Reposted by The Centre for Local Economies (CLES)

Economic Justice Brum @econjusticebrum.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

What happens when money intended for public services is extracted for private profit? @clesthinkdo.bsky.social is bringing people together in #Birmingham to look at wealth extraction, its impact on services & communities, and what we can do differently. 23 Sept | Priory Rooms luma.com/jb3hb866

luma.com

Plugging the leaks: in person meet up & workshops for people fighting wealth extraction · Luma

What An in person meet up for all those fighting wealth extraction from the resources and services we hold dear. History In June 2026 over 60 people attended a…

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Teesside deserves more than cashback devolution 📉 Ben Houchen had a better idea two months ago - a regional wealth fund 🏦 Read Dr Tom Lloyd Goodwin explain how a £100 rebate gives you £100 to spend once, but pooled could make a far bigger difference, via BDaily ⤵️ bdaily.co.uk/articles/202...

bdaily.co.uk

Teesside deserves more than cashback devolution

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

We are delighted to welcome two new trustees to the CLES Board 🤝 Tracy Bingham and Ian Bancroft are two outstanding leaders, with a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to creating economies that work for people and places 💪 We are thrilled to be working with them! 🎉

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Save the date! 📣 We are delighted to announce that this year's Community Wealth Building Summit will be coming to Manchester on Wednesday 11 November 📆 Plan to join us to explore how Community Wealth Building can help end trickle-down economics 💧 Watch this space as tickets go on sale soon! 🎟️

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Reposted by The Centre for Local Economies (CLES)

Benedikt Straňák @benediktstranak.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

New report + tool, making the case for municipal and community-led development

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Ever wondered what municipal or community-led development could look like in your area? 🏗️ Today we launch a free, practical tool to help councils & communities explore the possibilities and keep more value in the places we call home. 🧰 🔗 www.cles.org.uk/rethinking-property-led-regeneration

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

We're looking for a head of finance & operations to lead the finance & operational functions of our collaborative, supportive, and flexible team 🔍 Check out the application pack and apply here ⤵️ 🔗 cles.org.uk/careers/head...

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Congratulations to former Chair of the CLES Board, Bev Craig, on her election as Mayor of Greater Manchester 👏

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 31/07/2026

This. Is. Big. The Prime Minister just announced that he will hand mayors a share of income tax. Our response ⤵️

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

On last night's BBC Newsnight, when asked about the state of social care, @zackpolanski.bsky.social quoted our research with @thrivingplaces.bsky.social, @neweconomics.bsky.social & @cooperativesuk.bsky.social. Read 'Ending extraction in the UK care system' here: cles.org.uk/ending-extra...

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

"We need people powered politics" On Friday, Andy Burnham worked from Number 10 North for the first time Our chief executive Dr @sarahlonglands.bsky.social (who was also working from Manchester!) spoke to LBC News about how this new office must be for everybody

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Since 2013, Preston's approach has helped to shape community wealth building practice across the UK and beyond. It might also be helping to tackle child poverty in the city. Our latest research suggests that that local councils can also make a difference on child poverty. Link below 👇

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Public money for SEND should support children - not excessive profits. Our latest blog explores how gaps in local provision have fuelled reliance on costly external providers, and why meaningful reform must keep more funding focused on children, families and local services. Read more below. ⬇️

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

It’s official, Andy Burnham will become the next Labour leader and prime minister. In his speech today he will set out his ambition to fix the big things that politics has neglected. We're calling on him to use his first 100 days to show that those ambitions are not just political rhetoric

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

CLES chief executive Sarah Longlands was featured on BBC North West last night, delving into what a new mayor might mean for Greater Manchester’s transport system. 🐝 The challenge for the next mayor will be how to make life’s other essentials more affordable for people in the region.

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

What if devolution could do more than drive economic growth? What if it could help build an economy that genuinely works for everyone? Today we're launching the final report of the York and North Yorkshire Community Wealth Building Commission – the first of its kind in England. Link below 👇

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

📢 Hot off the press 📢 Burnham wants to call time on trickle-down economics. Luckily for him, Tom Lloyd Goodwin has developed a plan to make it happen 📜 From devolving thinking to establishing a Good Growth Test, read the plan in today's @labourlist.bsky.social ⤵️ labourlist.org/2026/07/a-te...

labourlist.org

'A ten-point plan for ending trickle-down economics' - LabourList

Ten ideas to help Andy Burnham move away from the broken model of trickle down economics from the Centre for Local Economies.

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Reposted by The Centre for Local Economies (CLES)

THRE (Third Sector Human Rights and Equalities) @thre-equal.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Miss our sold-out webinar on community wealth building? You can now access the recording of Evelyn Henderson-Child's presentation by visiting thre.org.uk/course/webinars/ @clesthinkdo.bsky.social

Laptop floating against a green background. On the laptop is a screenshot from the webinar recording.

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New Economics Foundation @neweconomics.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Private care companies suck wealth from local areas and public budgets to feed their profits, instead of providing the best care. Executive pay booms while frontline workers receive little more than minimum wage. We want to end extraction in the care system. Here's why... 1/2

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

☀️ Our annual away day ☀️ This week we're in beautiful Windermere, taking time to come together as a team, reflect on the moment we're in, and plan how we can make an even bigger positive difference to local economies over the coming year 🤝

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

The North is "a state of mind" and Westminster doesn't always know best... CLES Chief Executive Sarah Longlands was interviewed for The Guardian's Tuesday briefing this week - read her reflections for the potential new chancellor here: 🔗 www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...

theguardian.com

Tuesday briefing: What challenges would Ed Miliband face as chancellor?

In today’s newsletter: Former Reasons to Be Cheerful guests on the challenges facing the presumptive next occupant of No 11 Downing Street

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

"The foundational economy is where most people work – and where everyday living standards are determined." Julian Boys uses his Bdaily column to highlight the importance of putting the foundational economy at the heart of decision-making in the North East. bdaily.co.uk/articles/202...

bdaily.co.uk

Time for strategy built on the foundational economy

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

The North East's economy depends far more on everyday sectors like care, retail, hospitality and construction than the government's high-growth industries. Our new report makes the case for putting the foundational economy at the centre of regional growth. 🔗 cles.org.uk/strengthenin...

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

“Privatisation is no longer simply a political idea but a way of life for local government.” Sarah Longlands uses her latest TheMJ column to reflect on Andy Burnham's economic vision, and an opportunity to empower local government 🔗 www.themj.co.uk/taking-contr...

themj.co.uk

Taking back control

At the Centre for Local Economies (CLES) 40th birthday party in April, Andy Burnham said that we needed to ‘call time on trickle-down' when it comes to economic...

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

The first phase of English devolution was about powers 💪 But the next phase must be about value: who creates it, who captures it, and whether it is reinvested in the places & people that made it possible 👛 Tom Lloyd Goodwin for @publicsectorfocus.bsky.social ⤵️ flickread.com/edition/html...

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Community Land Scotland @communitylandsc.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Community Land Scotland has secured £4.25m from @tnlcommunityfund.org.uk - thanks to National Lottery players - for the Inclusive Ownership project. A UK‑wide partnership working to make community ownership of land and buildings more accessible. 👉 buff.ly/YW9C1Ny

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Places need more power to shape their own futures. For everyone watching as Andy Burnham set out his economic vision this morning, CLES's Tom Lloyd Goodwin has responded by urging him to move beyond good growth towards an economy that leaves people feeling more secure and in control.

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

🚨 £1 in every £11 of UK government spending on contractors went to private equity-controlled companies last year 🚨 @sarahlonglands.bsky.social, spoke to the @theguardian.com about why politicians must be more curious about who they are giving contracts to 🔍 🔗 www.theguardian.com/society/2026...

theguardian.com

‘Financial pandemic’: £1 in every £11 spent on UK public contractors goes to private equity

Almost £24.4bn of government money went to private equity-run firms in year to April 2025, Guardian analysis shows

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

This Sky News dive into Andy Burnham, Manchesterism & what GM's economic model might tell us about a possible Burnham premiership features our Victoria Bettany. Manchesterism has asked how to make growth fairer. Its next evolution must be to ask who owns it. 🔗 www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nIH...

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Communities Secretary Steve Reed's £61m Community Right to Buy Fund is a welcome step towards giving communities greater control over local assets. But funding alone won't reverse decades of economic decline. Community power must go hand in hand with community wealth building Read our response 👇

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Great to see Kristopher Leask MSP shout out our recent report ‘Blown away: following the money in Scotland’s onshore wind sector” in his speech in the Growing Scotland’s economy debate last week - highlighting the economic benefits of community-owned windfarms. Link in comments.

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Pride in Place funding is not just a regeneration budget. It's a chance to shape how wealth flows through places. Tom Lloyd Goodwin explores how neighbourhood boards can use community wealth building to ensure Pride in Place funding creates stronger local economies cles.org.uk/building-com...

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

Are you a councillor looking for practical ways to create a stronger, fairer local economy? Join CLES for a free online workshop exploring how community wealth building can help address the challenges facing your area. Register now: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/community-...

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 01/06/2026

We're launching "Community wealth building around the world" — a new series exploring how places across the globe are putting community wealth building into practice. First stop: The Basque Country Read the first instalment from Andoni Egia Olaizola and Oliver Chan 👇 cles.org.uk/community-we...

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The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

Communities across Scotland could receive £165m each year from onshore wind energy, if host communities have the right to a share in their local windfarm. Scotland’s wind sector could become a powerful source of local income, but only if communities have their stake. cles.org.uk/blown-away-f...

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