CLES

Founded in 1986, we are a charity located in Manchester, dedicated to creating a future where local economies support people, places, and the environment. Our vision is to ensure that wealth and power are used to uplift local communities rather than dominate them, allowing neighborhoods to thrive. We have gained global recognition for our innovative approach to community wealth building and are seen as key leaders of this movement in the UK.

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Articles

Feeding the future

1 month ago | cles.org.uk | Julian Boys |Sean Benstead

RESEARCH While recognising the many obstacles anchor institutions face in buying food locally – ranging from procurement constraints to deficiencies in local supply – this report sets out a roadmap of interventions that food system actors can follow to deliver healthy, sustainable and local food to their communities.
Special economic zones (SEZ)

Jan 22, 2025 | cles.org.uk | Sean Benstead

GUIDE This short guide provides an overview and commentary on SEZ policy in the UK in recent years. SEZs are areas where businesses receive tax breaks, simplified regulations and other incentives to boost economic activity. In the UK, the most recent iteration of SEZs includes freeports, greenports and investment zones.
Making the missions happen

Nov 21, 2024 | cles.org.uk | Sarah Longlands

This article originally appeared in the Municipal Journal. Labour needs living standards to improve and, in last month’s Budget, chancellor Rachel Reeves again made the case for economic growth, wealth creation and opportunity for all, arguing that these were the only way to deliver that goal. But, if Labour is to win a second term, the economic step-change she is hoping for needs to be felt in communities across the country.
Building up from the local

Oct 3, 2024 | cles.org.uk | Sarah Longlands

This article originally appeared in the Municipal Journal. Revaluing and restoring a strong and accountable local state will be essential if we are to ‘fix the foundations of Britain’s economy’. If ever there was an example of how disinvestment in local government and public services generally undermines our ability as a country to run an effective economy, it is the last 14 years of austerity.
Islington: building equality and prosperity though learning

Sep 30, 2024 | cles.org.uk | Akeel Ahmed

“I needed a career change and had no confidence as I hadn’t applied for a job or done any learning since I was 16. They’ve really supported me and the courses are really practical. I start my new job next month”. These are the words of one of over 1700 adult learners at Islington Council’s Adult Community Learning service. They shine a light on one of the many inspirational journeys our learners embark upon when they sign up for a course.
5 ways for the government to keep the good in planning

Sep 24, 2024 | cles.org.uk | Sean Benstead

This article originally appeared in the Local Government Chronicle. When complete, the new NPPF will act as a guide for local planning authorities and developers by outlining the government’s planning policies and how they should be applied locally. And, even within the language of the consultation, we can read the runes on where the government places the blame for the lack of delivery on housebuilding and infrastructure projects in the UK.
Recruiting: Senior Analyst

Sep 4, 2024 | cles.org.uk | Helen Power

Salary: £35,000 – £45,999Full time (four-day, full pay week), permanentLocation: flexible/hybridCLES is the national organisation for local economies and the UK centre for excellence on community wealth building. We work with people across the UK and internationally to create better economies for people, places and the planet. In particular, we support local areas to develop new solutions to the economic and social justice challenges we face at the current time.
Is now the time to reconsider community wealth building?

Jul 31, 2024 | cles.org.uk | Helen Power

This article originally appeared in the LGC. The new government seem bullish in their commitment to providing authorities with multi-year funding settlements and ending wasteful competitive bidding. Meanwhile a Bill proposed in last week’s Kings Speech will see more power devolved to the local level, albeit via combined authorities. But it is also clear that there is much still to be resolved about the future role that this government sees for our councils.
Planning for human welfare

Jul 24, 2024 | cles.org.uk | Sarah Longlands

This article originally appeared in the Municipal Journal. I have been reminded of this conversation in recent weeks as planning reform has headlined Labour’s mission to boost economic growth. The current planning regime is being presented as a major brake on growth which needs reform in order to support the development of housing and infrastructure. “cut it down to size”But isn’t that what the Conservative government argued in their reform of the national planning policy framework back in 2011?
Recruitment needs a radical rethink

May 29, 2024 | cles.org.uk | Sarah Longlands

This article originally appeared in the Municipal Journal. But the sight of Westminster politicians crowing about the numbers while steadfastly ignoring the lived reality that many families are still struggling to afford basics such as food, energy and rent, reveals how disconnected our national politicians are from life on the ground in our places. And the sense of unreality doesn’t stop there.