The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 08/10/2026Every pound of public money we spend has two jobs: It buys a service, but it also creates social, economic and environmental value. That’s what our Head of Scotland Naomi Mason told the Scottish Government’s Public Service Reform Committee earlier today. 132 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 01/10/2026🔗 cles.org.uk/news-events/...cles.org.ukCLES reacts to the prime minister’s speech at Labour Party Conference - CLESStrong echoes of community wealth building There were strong echoes of community wealth building in Andy Burnham’s speech to Labour Party Conference this week. He began with the essentials of a good l... 000 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 01/10/2026There 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. 111 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 01/10/2026Can 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. 010 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 22/09/2026🔗 cles.org.uk/aligning-com...cles.org.ukAligning community wealth building with just transitions - CLESThis workshop guide is the product of a major two-year international research partnership funded by the British Academy, led by the University of Sussex (UK) and NorQuest College (Canada) and in colla... 000 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 22/09/2026Net 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 ⤵️ 121 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 15/09/2026🔗 cles.org.uk/extraction-i...cles.org.ukExtraction in the Welsh learning disability supported living ecosystem - CLESThis report looks at providers of Learning Disability (LD) supported living, residential care and shared lives work to examine the extent and nature of profit making and extraction in service provisio... 000 0
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 102 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 14/09/2026🔗 cles.org.uk/joining-the-...cles.org.ukJoining the dots of poverty and ownership - CLESWho owns your street? Not who lives there – who owns it. The shop fronts, the vacant land at the back behind the high street, the waste ground nobody’s used in years. In most of Scotland, the answer i... 000 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 14/09/2026Who 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 ⤵️ 100 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 11/09/2026Mayors 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 🪙 001 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 09/09/2026Important 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 👀 012 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 02/09/2026FM @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... 000 0
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... 033 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 31/08/2026Our 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/... 001 0
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.comInside the UK’s ‘stressful’ cost of living crisis Burnham hopes to tackleBritain's new premier has promised to ease the suffering of millions of families unable to afford basic items. 100 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 18/08/2026Want 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... 000 0
Reposted by The Centre for Local Economies (CLES)Economic Justice Brum @econjusticebrum.bsky.social · 17/08/2026What 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/jb3hb866luma.comPlugging the leaks: in person meet up & workshops for people fighting wealth extraction · LumaWhat 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… 022 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 17/08/2026Teesside 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.ukTeesside deserves more than cashback devolutionBen Houchen had a better idea two months ago. In June, the Tees Valley mayor proposed creating a regional wealth fund. The… | North East | Economy | Politics | Government | Politics | National |... 021 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 12/08/2026And Ian's here: cles.org.uk/our-team/ian...cles.org.ukIan Bancroft - CLESIan has over 35 years public and social sector experience mainly within local authorities in England and Wales with 20 of these being at a senior leadership level and six years as a chief executive. H... 000 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 12/08/2026You can read Tracy's bio here: cles.org.uk/our-team/tra...cles.org.ukTracy Bingham - CLESTracy Bingham is deputy chief executive and executive director for resources and transformation at South Derbyshire District Council. From the East Midlands, she returned to the region after studying ... 100 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 12/08/2026We 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! 🎉 110 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 11/08/2026Save 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! 🎟️ 000 0
Reposted by The Centre for Local Economies (CLES)Blog Preston @blogpreston.co.uk · 10/08/2026We invited the authors of a new report on child poverty to explain what they found when looking into the state of the cityblogpreston.co.ukOpinion: Why is child poverty rising more slowly in Preston? – Blog Preston<p>Too often, child poverty is treated purely as a welfare issue. Our findings suggest it should also be understood as an economic one.</p> 022 0
Reposted by The Centre for Local Economies (CLES)Benedikt Straňák @benediktstranak.bsky.social · 05/08/2026New report + tool, making the case for municipal and community-led development 132 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 05/08/2026Ever 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 010 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 04/08/2026We'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... 001 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 03/08/2026Congratulations to former Chair of the CLES Board, Bev Craig, on her election as Mayor of Greater Manchester 👏 000 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 31/07/2026This. Is. Big. The Prime Minister just announced that he will hand mayors a share of income tax. Our response ⤵️ 122 0
Reposted by The Centre for Local Economies (CLES)New Economics Foundation @neweconomics.bsky.social · 29/07/2026Read the full research from NEF, @clesthinkdo.bsky.social, @thrivingplaces.bsky.social and @cooperativesuk.bsky.social neweconomics.org/2025/11/endi... 3/3neweconomics.orgEnding extraction in the UK care systemHow our care system facilitates the extraction of value and wealth from places and local public service budgets 1169 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 29/07/2026On 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... 010 0
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 001 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 28/07/2026🔗 cles.org.uk/child-povert...cles.org.ukChild poverty and community wealth building in Preston - CLESSince working with CLES to adopt community wealth building in 2013, Preston’s approach has become internationally recognised and has helped to shape community wealth building practice across the UK an... 000 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 28/07/2026Since 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 👇 133 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 22/07/2026🔗 cles.org.uk/why-send-ref...cles.org.ukWhy SEND reform must tackle profit, not just process - CLESEngland’s SEND system is failing too many children and families. Support is too slow, too uneven and too hard to access. Parents are forced into battles for help from public services that should be ea... 000 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 22/07/2026Public 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. ⬇️ 111 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 17/07/2026🔗Read our full response here: cles.org.uk/news-events/...cles.org.ukCentre for Local Economies reacts to Andy Burnham's election as Labour leader - CLESDr Sarah Longlands, chief executive of CLES commented: “Andy Burnham’s election as Labour leader opens up a significant opportunity to change the direction of Britain’s economy. His repeated call to e... 010 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 17/07/2026It’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 131 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 17/07/2026CLES 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. 020 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 15/07/2026🔗 cles.org.uk/resilient-th...cles.org.ukResilient, thriving and healthy: building community wealth in York and North Yorkshire - CLESThis report sets out the findings of the York and North Yorkshire Community Wealth Building Commission, the first mayoral commission of its kind in England, which was supported by CLES. It offers a pr... 010 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 15/07/2026What 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 👇 110 0
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' - LabourListTen ideas to help Andy Burnham move away from the broken model of trickle down economics from the Centre for Local Economies. 034 0
Reposted by The Centre for Local Economies (CLES)THRE (Third Sector Human Rights and Equalities) @thre-equal.bsky.social · 09/07/2026Miss 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 011 0
Reposted by The Centre for Local Economies (CLES)New Economics Foundation @neweconomics.bsky.social · 08/07/2026Private 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 4165 0
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 🤝 110 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 07/07/2026The 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.comTuesday 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 010 0
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.ukTime for strategy built on the foundational economyThe North East is rightly proud of its cutting-edge sectors that include advanced manufacturing and clean energy. But new analysis suggests… | North East | Economy | Politics | Industrial Strategy | G... 021 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 02/07/2026The 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... 010 0
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.ukTaking back controlAt 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... 000 0
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 30/06/2026The 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... 011 0