Nick Plumb

A quick thread on our #LPC2026 events, covering high streets, community power and pride in place, with a great set of speakers and partners, including @uclpolicylab.bsky.social @right-here.org @coopparty.party.coop ...

More detail on our @powertochange.org.uk conference presence here: www.powertochange.org.uk/event/party-...

A quick thread on our #LPC2026 events, covering high streets, community power and pride in place, with a great set of speakers and partners, including @uclpolicylab.bsky.social @right-here.org @coopparty.party.coop ...

Also on Sunday, I'll be joining Florence Eshalomi MP (Communities Minister), @joplatt.bsky.social and Fin Irwin to discuss where communities policy goes next. With @coopparty.party.coop 📅 Sunday 27 September, 4.00 to 5.00pm 📍 Arena Room Aire (secure zone)

A quick thread on our #LPC2026 events, covering high streets, community power and pride in place, with a great set of speakers and partners, including @uclpolicylab.bsky.social @right-here.org @coopparty.party.coop ...

The PM links new announcements on community energy with broader devolution agenda, and the role of Number 10 North. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...

Last month, I set out three tests for government: 1. Is our agenda thinking as much about the ‘last mile’ of devolution as the first 100? 2. How can we apply the principles of Pride in Place to a much wider sweep of government policy?

"If the physical infrastructure, like the roads and railways, broke down, there'd be major calls for action. If the financial infrastructure, banks and ATMs, broke down, there'd be panic...

Excellent thread, but particularly the point about the disconnect between tech policy and neighbourhoods policy.

Similar themes in this paper from @drjennings.bsky.social and colleagues, and my reflections in @politicshome.bsky.social on the latest data from Community Engagement Survey.

Late to this FT editorial from last week. Pleased the paper is increasingly of a similar view to @powertochange.org.uk and those working with us on the idea of the Civic High Street.

New Community Engagement Survey findings are out (replaces Community Life Survey and DCMS' Participation Survey). Regional differences between people's perceived ability to influence decisions affecting their local area. Significant gap between London and the NE.

Stark age divide when it comes to people's sense of their neighbourhood getting better or worse to live in.

New Community Engagement Survey findings are out (replaces Community Life Survey and DCMS' Participation Survey). Regional differences between people's perceived ability to influence decisions affecting their local area. Significant gap between London and the NE.

Despite that, we've seen a decline in how trusting people are of their neighbours. The lowest we've seen in recent years.

New Community Engagement Survey findings are out (replaces Community Life Survey and DCMS' Participation Survey). Regional differences between people's perceived ability to influence decisions affecting their local area. Significant gap between London and the NE.

Young people and loneliness. People 75 and over almost twice as likely as 16 - 24 year olds to chat to their neighbours at least *once a month*

New Community Engagement Survey findings are out (replaces Community Life Survey and DCMS' Participation Survey). Regional differences between people's perceived ability to influence decisions affecting their local area. Significant gap between London and the NE.

Stable sense of neighbourhood belonging, on average

New Community Engagement Survey findings are out (replaces Community Life Survey and DCMS' Participation Survey). Regional differences between people's perceived ability to influence decisions affecting their local area. Significant gap between London and the NE.

Note slight differences in people's satisfaction (as opposed to pride) with their local area as a place to live - slightly more positive, but a decline in sentiment over past 8 years.

New Community Engagement Survey findings are out (replaces Community Life Survey and DCMS' Participation Survey). Regional differences between people's perceived ability to influence decisions affecting their local area. Significant gap between London and the NE.

As ever, significant difference in how people feel about their local area, compared to country at large. >> See YouGov poll (left)- In what kind of state would you say Britain in general is in at the moment? >> and local pride findings (right)

New Community Engagement Survey findings are out (replaces Community Life Survey and DCMS' Participation Survey). Regional differences between people's perceived ability to influence decisions affecting their local area. Significant gap between London and the NE.

The second high streets announcement from the new administration, alongside business rates cut for pubs, clubs and music venues. Suggests growing recognition that policy needs to shift us away from retail-dominated model. But this must be start of something bigger.

- reform access to ownership data - encourage meanwhile use, via a model lease agreement that is fair for landlords and tenants

The second high streets announcement from the new administration, alongside business rates cut for pubs, clubs and music venues. Suggests growing recognition that policy needs to shift us away from retail-dominated model. But this must be start of something bigger.

If we're to build civic high streets of the future, we need to enable vacant and unviable buildings to adapt their use. - support for councils to make use of existing powers like CPO, High Street Rental Auctions