CLES Publications
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Towards a new wave of local economic activism: the future for economic development strategies
The five minute summary version of our new report - grab a coffee and get the gist. 1/12.
Making it work: Analysing different ways of tackling worklessness
In this publication we unpick existing approaches, to provide a typology of approaches to worklessness. This serves to create a path through the range of policy and intervention options open to national and local agencies who are grappling with this issue. Informed by our work on the ground, and our 22 years of experience in this field, this publication, sets the policy scene, explores the complex nature of worklessness and introduces a framework for delivery. Finally, we outline the challenges ahead, and provide pointers as to where policy will need to change in this harsh economic climate, thus seeking to add value to the Houghton Review which examines how the Government can better support local partnerships to deliver more effective worklessness interventions.
Latest thoughts from Government on tackling inequality: The New Opportunities White Paper
This briefing sets out the key themes to emerge from the Government's recently published White Paper, 'New Opportunities - Fair Chances for the Future'.
What does the economic downturn mean for local economic development and regeneration?
This briefing firstly, seeks to provide commentary on some of the challenges facing our sector in the current economic climate and secondly, presents some suggestions as to what local authorities and, indeed, central government could do to respond.
Creating resilient economies: exploring the economic footprint of public services - Executive summary (available to non members)
The joint report by CLES and the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) ‘Creating resilient local economies: exploring the economic footprint of public services’ – launched at APSE's annual conference in Nottingham on 11th September – looks at the effect of public spending on local economies. It urges local authorities and national policy-makers to ensure public money is used in a way that has the best possible impact locally.
Research Methods Handbook
This book provides an introduction to the reader to a whole range of research methods. It aims to introduce a toolkit of methods, explaining how to use them, their appropriateness and some of the pitfalls of using them in practice.
The role of independent food retailers, markets and community food initiatives in local centres
What we eat and how we purchase food are two key policy agendas in the modern day United Kingdom. The continued rise of poor health and in particular obesity has seen numerous high profile campaigns that have sought to improve the health of the nation and improve decision making around the purchase of food. Manchester City Council thus commissioned the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) in Autumn 2007 to undertake a research project which would enable a greater understanding of the role Independent Food Retailers, Markets and Community Food Retailers currently play in supporting the sustainability of local centres and neighbourhoods within the city.
Consultation response to ‘Prosperous Places: Taking forward the Review of Sub-National Economic Development and Regeneration’
This briefing paper sets out a summary of the response of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) to the Review of Sub-National Economic Development and Regeneration consultation1. We are in exciting times in the United Kingdom for economic development, and local economic development in particular, and CLES welcomes the renewed central government commitment to the local authority economic development function.
Update: the Area Based Grant
In February 2008, the Department for Communities and Local Government released general guidance on the Area Based Grant. This short briefing paper explores what is set out in this document.
The Indices of Deprivation 2007 and the Working Neighbourhoods Fund
The changing focus of neighbourhood renewal has been supplemented by the new Indices of Deprivation 2007, the official measure of local authority and Super Output Area level deprivation. The purpose of this briefing paper is to highlight the theory behind and the key findings of the 2007 Indices of Deprivation; to explain the new Working Neighbourhoods Fund and to highlight its allocations and to critique the Indices of Deprivation method and the Working Neighbourhoods Fund allocations.
CLES Commendations 2010
Three projects received commendations at this year's CLES Summit - Grow (Hull); The Star Inn (Salford) and East Lindsey Active (Lincolnshire).
Full details
Local Economic Assessment Network
CLES has launched its national Local Economic Assessment Network.
For more information click here.
Wellbeing Evaluation
Norwich LEGI
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HCA Placemaking Practice Review Panel
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