Sarah Longlands
Devolved potential in Cornwall is under threat from central Government inertia
Sarah Longlands says that unlike the ‘hero’ style approach of the mayors elsewhere, Cornish devolution has been characterised by collaborative leadership. But lack of Government action is putting devolved potential at risk, she believes.
Back where you started
We are 'finally starting to see through the fog of rhetoric on levelling up', says Sarah Longlands. What's emerging reveals the only winner from the competition prescription is central government, she adds.
The chancellor must go beyond warm words
Director of IPPR North Sarah Longlands poses three core questions for chancellor Rishi Sunak ahead of this week's Budget, including: 'Who does he want to 'level up'?
Westminster must not sidestep local capacity and expertise on net zero
Local government has already shown its commitment to net zero, so it is crucial that Government invests in this collective effort across the UK, says Sarah Longlands.
The restructure we require is not to be found in our town halls
The devolution White Paper will reveal Boris Johnson's 'northern growth body'. But this will have a fatal flaw as its creator is Whitehall, writes Sarah Longlands.
Plan, plan and plan again!
Sarah Longlands argues that 'if we really want to build back better, creating decent homes and communities in which to live, then good strategic planning is part of the solution, rather than a scapegoat for politicians'.
Level up, bounce back - wise up
Our recovery will be even slower, more difficult and unequal if it depends on waiting for Whitehall to formulate a plan from the centre, argues director of IPPR North Sarah Longlands.
Now is not the time for Westminster to tighten its centralising grip
Reducing the spread of the virus requires Westminster to loosen the reins of power and to trust decision-makers in local and combined authorities to know what is right for their communities, argues Sarah Longlands.
Let's get serious about decent pay
If we are serious about building a resilient northern economy then we need to start with the people who live and work here, says Sarah Longlands
The real task ahead after deal or no-deal is to reconcile the bitter divisions
If we are to overcome the divisive nature of Brexit, we must let people into the decision-making process - and devolution provides an ideal test bed for new democratic innovation, says Sarah Longlands.
The finite capacity of civil society
How much capacity has civil society got to absorb the increased demands on its financial and human resources, asks Sarah Longlands
The North finds its voice
On 6 September I attended the first Convention of the North in Newcastle. This was an historic gathering of political, civic and business leaders from across the North, in the Baltic Galleries on the banks of the Tyne and a fitting venue in which to forge a new spirit of collaboration.
Where next for the Northern Powerhouse?
The current Northern Powerhouse debate is based on a very conventional model of economic growth. Sarah Longlands believes the North can carve out a more progressive economic trajectory.
