CLES reacts to the King’s Speech 2026

Dr Sarah Longlands, chief executive of CLES commented:

“Legislation on home grown renewable energy, economic security and purposeful public investment are welcome. However, every public pound must be spent in the public interest and every community that contributes should be able to share in the benefits. This means giving them an ownership stake in renewable developments, ending profiteering in public services, and ensuring the wealth created by and in our communities isn’t siphoned away from them. 

“What happens thousands of miles away sends waves straight through to our local economies and onto our kitchen tables. That’s where we’re exposed – in our home places. So, our legislative agenda must give places the tools to shape their futures, including through welcome measures like overnight visitor levies – an important step towards a more devolved, democratic, resilient economy. 

“It is in our local places, too, where we receive care when we need it. Yet, with children and families struggling through a broken SEND system, and adults denied the dignity and support they deserve while profiteering is rife – the system is broken. The government is right to bring forward legislation to support children with SEND. But, alongside the Casey Review, we must build the foundations of a new system – one that puts people first.” 

ENDS