Sign in

Sarah Longlands

@sarahlonglands.bsky.social
1.4K followers 207 following 68 posts

Chief Executive of Centre for Local Economic Strategies.@clesthinkdo.bsky.social.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
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
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
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
001
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
What if your mayor ran your supermarket? 🛒 New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani says bring on the competition. Our new blog explores what this could mean beyond New York - could public supermarkets be part of the future of affordable food? Read Mamdani-Marts now: cles.org.uk/mamdani-mart...
002
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
The war in Iran will have impacts far beyond the region, including on local economies here in the UK. In our latest blog, we explore why global instability makes the need for community wealth building and local economic resilience more urgent than ever. 🔗 cles.org.uk/resilience-i...
001
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
CLES is 40 🎉 To mark this moment, our former director and chair, Michael Ward, reflects on how the threat of the abolition of the Greater London Council and other metropolitan counties led to the birth of CLES 🐣 🔗 cles.org.uk/cles-at-40-f...
013
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
Danny Sriskandarajah @dhnnjyn.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
A very happy 40th birthday to @clesthinkdo.bsky.social! A great line up of speakers @mayorofgm.bsky.social @bevcraig.bsky.social @allymcgovern.bsky.social @sarahlonglands.bsky.social all pointing to the need to overturn 40 years of an economic ideology based on extraction.
143
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
CLES began as a collective response to difficult times for local economies ✊ Today, in an age of permacrisis, our purpose matters more than ever 🌍 We’ve rebranded for the first time 20 years - a renewal for what comes next 🔥 @sarahlonglands.bsky.social writes 👇 cles.org.uk/cles-at-40-r...
043
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
New Economics Foundation @neweconomics.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Exciting opportunity to join our team as a senior digital comms officer! We're looking for someone with experience of leading impactful digital communications strategies or campaigns to help us maximise our impact. Find out more and apply: neweconomics.org/about/work-w...
Text: Senior digital comms officer, lead on developing and driving digital strategy for NEF, salary: £49,525-55,003, hours 32 full time, deadline: 28 April
025
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
CLES has a fresh new identity 🌱 From today, we are the Centre for Local Economies - an independent think tank and charity that puts economics in its place 🏘️ 🔗 www.cles.org.uk
1158
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
Danny Sriskandarajah @dhnnjyn.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
As @guardianheather.bsky.social points out in her analysis of @zackpolanski.bsky.social speech today, Rachel Reeves launched her Everyday Economics pamphlet at NEF in 2018. Here's a quick quiz: whose speech contained each of the following? www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Polanski positions Greens’ economic policy as radical alternative to Reeves
Offer to reform taxes, tackle ‘rip-off Britain’ and overhaul fiscal rules could tempt exasperated Labour supporters
231
Sarah Longlands @sarahlonglands.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Great to spend St Patrick’s day with @clesthinkdo.bsky.social team in the office with sunshine and good food in manchester ☘️
141
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Since 1988, outsourcing services once delivered by councils has reshaped the geography of local spend, meaning profit often leaves communities. But councils are rediscovering the value of keeping services - & wealth - local 💡 🔗 @sarahlonglands.bsky.social for the MJ: www.themj.co.uk/special-deli...
themj.co.uk
Special deliveries
Local government is responsible for providing a diverse range of local services, many of which are delivered directly by local authorities and their partners. But...
001
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
Members of the Scottish Parliament have just voted to pass the world’s first piece of legislation on Community Wealth Building This is a huge opportunity to ensure that when Scotland has economic growth, we use it to reduce wealth inequality and support communities to thrive
13315
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
'Dr @sarahlonglands.bsky.social, chief executive of Manchester-based think tank CLES, describes the fund as 'fiscally creative'. She says the Labour mayor is 'making the right noises' when it comes to building community wealth and procurement that supports the local supply chain' ⤵️
011
Sarah Longlands @sarahlonglands.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
Really proud that we are publishing this new work today as part of Reclaiming Our Regional Economies. Making extraction visible - it matters because this is about using public resources effectively in the public interest
used.to
033
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
John Denham @jydenham.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Idea for BBC R4: quality BBC journos, serious investigative reports, interviewers on top of subjects, balanced coverage of parties. No breathless reporting of Reform, journos as ‘experts’, book pluggers, pop song lyrics, football banter. Could be broadcast 06:00-09:00.
44920
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
"Can the Budget be a line in the sand where the Gov unleashes a new era of political empathy with difficulties such as paying the bills, having secure, well-paid work, somewhere to live, accessing services & getting care for loved ones?" ✒️ @sarahlonglands.bsky.social writes: www.themj.co.uk/new-era
themj.co.uk
A new era?
While for many working in policy, the forthcoming Budget is a key milestone in the political cycle, for most people it happens to them and then they are told how...
012
Sarah Longlands @sarahlonglands.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
Great to be at the #decarbonisingdublin summit organised by @codemadublin.bsky.social and listening to the fabulous @donnagartland.bsky.social introducing the day
000
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
Carnegie UK @carnegieuk.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
How is life in the UK in 2025? Join us on Tue 28 Oct, 10-11am, for our Life in the UK 2025 webinar. Hear our key findings from Susan Pinkney with reflections from @graceblakeley.substack.com. Find out more and book your place: carnegieuk.org/event/how-is...
Promotional graphic for Carnegie UK's webinar. How is life in the UK in 2025?

Join us on Tuesday 28th October, 10-11am, as we explore the latest findings from our Life in the UK index.

Hear from Susan Pinkney as she shares key findings from this year’s report, with reflections from Grace Blakeley.
096
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
We are proud to announce that our Chief Executive, Dr @sarahlonglands.bsky.social, has been appointed as a Non-Executive Director to the board of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government 👏 www.gov.uk/government/n...
062
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Lead @theleaduk.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
FIVE BOLD TAX MOVES THE CHANCELLOR COULD MAKE IN TO PLUG THE GAP IN THE AUTUMN BUDGET ⬇️
112
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies (CURDS) @curdsnewcastle.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
Second, we are discussing @samfr.bsky.social’s hugely popular book with Sam and a great panel: Martin Brookes (VONNE), Adrian Dougherty (NECA), @sarahlonglands.bsky.social (CLES), Sajda NawazBhatti (Newcastle City Council), Jo Fox ( @newcastleuni.bsky.social) insightsnortheast.co.uk/event/fixing...
insightsnortheast.co.uk
Fixing Britain’s Failed State - Insights North East
Details Date: October 15 Time: 05:00 pm - 07:00 pm Click to Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fixing-britains-failed-state-tickets-1674869984209 Organizer Insights North East Website: https://www...
031
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
Institute of Economic Development @theied.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
For #IEDConf2025, we welcome back @sarahlonglands.bsky.social, Chief Executive @clesthinkdo.bsky.social. Sarah will be joining our Question Time panel, sponsored by The Growth Company. Ticket sales are strong, so grab yours whilst they are still available sasevents.eventsair.com/ied-conferen...!
022
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
"While the official measurement of growth is GDP or GVA, speak to councillors...& they will talk about jobs, security, housing & special educational needs support" @sarahlonglands.bsky.social writes about why we must look beyond growth in her latest column ⤵️ www.themj.co.uk/looking-grow...
themj.co.uk
Looking beyond growth
I was reminded this week of Michael Heseltine's 2012 report, No stone unturned: in pursuit of growth, which featured a cartoon of the man himself hunting for growth...
053
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
🗣️ Today, MPs will debate the English Devo Bill. There's a notable omission: fiscal devo. 💬 In a new essay for @compassoffice.bsky.social, @sarahlonglands.bsky.social explains the fiscal devo debate, & argues for Prescott’s vision for a federalist nation. 🔗 www.compassonline.org.uk/publications...
compassonline.org.uk
From Whitehall to Townhall: What the English Devolution Bill Needs - Compass
The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill provides a once-in-a-generation chance to deliver the radical change to local government needed […]
022
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
Codema - Dublin's Energy Agency @codemadublin.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
🪴 We’re pleased to welcome @sarahlonglands.bsky.social from the @clesthinkdo.bsky.social as one of our #DecarbonisingDublin Summit 2025 speakers! Innovation for achieving a low-carbon Dublin is one of our main discussions. Get your early-bird ticket: bit.ly/4mBUoKY
032
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Northern Agenda @thenorthernagenda.bsky.social · 21/07/2025
'If we want to keep the spirit of Oasis alive in Manchester and help an Oasis of the future thrive, we've got to make sure people can come through the system' @sarahlonglands.bsky.social of @clesthinkdo.bsky.social on the Northern Agenda podcast Listen here: podfollow.com/the-northern...
064
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
Rob Parsons @robparsonsna.bsky.social · 18/07/2025
This week on the Northern Agenda podcast, @liamthorp.bsky.social and I are joined by the brilliant @sarahlonglands.bsky.social to talk - How do we spread the benefits of the Oasis gigs? - What's really going on with Reform UK revoking the climate emergency in Durham? podfollow.com/the-northern...
podfollow.com
The Northern Agenda: Don't Look Back In Anger: Reform UK cancels Durham's climate emergency
With Oasis' Manchester gigs the talk of the town, even senior politicians like Commons Leader Lucy Powell can't resist making groan-inducing puns about the Gallagher brothers' classic songs.But wit...
053
Sarah Longlands @sarahlonglands.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
Great news and something we’ve been calling for at @clesthinkdo.bsky.social for many years
1161
Sarah Longlands @sarahlonglands.bsky.social · 01/07/2025
Really shocking behaviour on so many levels - poor leadership snd management. @financialfairness.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
theguardian.com
To all who think capitalism can drive progressive change, it won’t – and here’s the shocking proof | Polly Toynbee
Asset manager Aberdeen’s surprise cut to funding research into inequality has left those that used its grants for good work reeling, says Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee
010
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
Jennifer Williams @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
A second free push for this. I’m slightly surprised that the doge thing is the only element of the Reform local govt agenda that seems to have captured the national chat in any way. From where I’m sitting, this is the bit of their agenda, and their politics, to watch before that on.ft.com/44qrdlT
on.ft.com
How Reform’s anti-asylum message won over Durham’s former mining communities
[FREE TO READ] Populist party is already taking credit for a Home Office contractor’s pause in asylum placements
99433
Sarah Longlands @sarahlonglands.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
My view for the afternoon - what a wonderful place to work @hawkwoodcft.bsky.social
041
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
🏴 This week at #RoyalHighlandShow: @sarahlonglands.bsky.social joins @scottishlandcom.bsky.social's panel on Scotland’s rural land market (Fri 20 June, from 3pm). She’ll share CLES insights on public value + natural capital ⬇️ cles.org.uk/publications... #LandReform #CLES
012
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
"This investment won't change lives if it just helps the biggest firms hoover up the proceeds." @sarahlonglands.bsky.social on the CSR. 💷 Invest in local economies 🧓 Fund social care properly 🏙️ Stop backing agglomeration over inclusion 🔗 www.linkedin.com/posts/sarah-...
001
Sarah Longlands @sarahlonglands.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
How comprehensive? How to spend the money? Some thoughts from me on the #CSR www.linkedin.com/posts/sarah-...
linkedin.com
The Comprehensive Spending Review. | Sarah Longlands
The Comprehensive Spending Review. So how comprehensive was it? Is it a basis to grow community wealth A few thoughts from me:   📌 Great to have a spending review which shows that this Government is...
000
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
🌾 “Britain’s food security is at risk – and local farming holds the key.” Public sector food procurement is a powerful lever for change. It supports local farmers, builds resilience & boosts fairer economies. A must-read from Julian Boys 👇 www.lbc.co.uk/opinion/view...
lbc.co.uk
Britain’s food security is at risk – it’s time to back local producers with public money
The UK’s food system is under pressure.
003
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
A great blog here from @naomimason.bsky.social for @reformscotland.bsky.social covering the nuts and bolts of community wealth building and the size of the prize for the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill.
013
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
"With every crisis comes a moment of reflection – a “how did we get here?” Overton window that must be seized before it is too late." @sarahlonglands.bsky.social's latest MJ article argues that local gov reorganisation offers an opportunity to let the people in. 🔗 cles.org.uk/blog/let-the...
011
Sarah Longlands @sarahlonglands.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Key question for @itvnews.bsky.social when examining the failure of care companies like Lifeways is its ownership structure. #itvnews Lifeways are owned by OMERS private equity. So are they interested in delivering care or growing returns for pensions? In whose interest?
010
Sarah Longlands @sarahlonglands.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
Wondering what impact the US Tariffs might have in UK regions? 👇
000
Sarah Longlands @sarahlonglands.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
Process gets in the way of doing the right thing. Great closing plenary at #thisisthenorth @peoplespowerhouse.bsky.social
000
Sarah Longlands @sarahlonglands.bsky.social · 03/04/2025
Great to be in Liverpool for #thisisthenorth and we are dancing! @peoplespowerhouse.bsky.social
010
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
📢 Scotland’s Community Wealth Building Bill is here! A world-first piece of legislation set to reshape how wealth is generated & retained in communities. What does it mean & what’s next? 🔗 Read more in @naomimason.bsky.social's latest blog: cles.org.uk/blog/scottis...
054
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
Excited to be in Parliament for the launch of the North West Leaders Board's Powering Up the North West 🔗 cles.org.uk/publications... 💰 Fair funding 📈 Beyond growth 🤝 Fix care 🏘️ More homes 🌳 Local climate action 🚅 Better transport 🏥 NHS & local gov teamwork
001
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The Centre for Local Economies (CLES) @clesthinkdo.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
Like many others, CLES is gearing up for the Spending Review. 🌅 This morning, @sarahlonglands.bsky.social joined LBC News to discuss new research from the LGA highlighting the urgent need for sustainable funding for local government.
101
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
Christine Berry @christinejberry.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
I wrote a thing about the unreality of the debate on disability benefits, where it comes from and how it affects us. It cost a few spoons to do it, but I think it would have cost more not to. Have a read if you're interested: www.christineberry.net/2025/03/the-...
christineberry.net
The lies we tell ourselves: Starmer and the gaslighting of disabled people – Christine Berry
33325
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
The People’s Powerhouse @peoplespowerhouse.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
🚀 This is The North 2025 – If more power is on the way, how do we keep it real?🎉 Join us on April 3rd at The Black-E, Liverpool for a day packed with big ideas, real talk, and Northern energy. 🎟️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/this-is-th...
001
Reposted by Sarah Longlands
Patriotic Millionaires UK @patmillsuk.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
We’re out and about across the UK today to tell MPs and constituents that our country is missing out on £460m a week without a wealth tax. Rachel Reeves doesn’t need to make cuts, instead she can tax the richest people like us to build a better Britain. #TaxOurWealth
19637346
Sarah Longlands @sarahlonglands.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Proposals to cut benefits for disabled and sick are a mistake. 1/2 🧵 www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Keir Starmer could face biggest rebellion over disability benefit freeze
Exclusive: Dozens of Labour MPs understood to have urged the government to think again
110
Sarah Longlands @sarahlonglands.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
New report from us @clesthinkdo.bsky.social on the localisation of food through procurement! Feels more important than ever in an age of insecurity.
011