@samuel-saunders
Producer of The Saxonvale Saga - narrative audio documentary. Produce/present 'Somerset Spotlight', a FromeFM radio show and podcast on local government in Somerset (not boring, promise!) The Commons/Localism/Politics https://linktr.ee/samuelsaunders
every epstein file drop underscores how elite power operates through shared socio-economic networks, regardless of people's ideological differences, populist posturing, or public feuds
“Single-family rentals now account for 40% of all investment in the booming build-to-rent sector.”
Read Adam Almeida in @theguardian.com on how the build-to-rent sector is changing — while the public still lose out to institutional investors.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Because the Shire is modern?
I have not but have always meant to. I have read a very good biography on Lewis called 'Semi-Invisible Man, which I recommend.
An amazing book!
My favourite band ❤️
Here awful defence and justification were liked and shared by some people identifying as progressives, which I find very depressing.
Why did you say "Labour's Growth Commission"?
Look at the comments, some gullible people believed you. But you are expecting me to believe you meant Labour owns GC through "ideological capture".
Do you take any responsibility for the language you use?
I'll explain why it is shameless. You state that the GC is "Labour's Growth Commission". You then highlight the chair and state that "McSweeney's fingerprints are all over it", implying that the chair is appointed by Labour and McSweeney influenced the appointment. None of this is true.
You are completely shameless.
I wonder what your real agenda is spreading misinformation.
Are you deliberately spreading misinformation? The Growth Commission is not "Labours 'Growth Commission'". It has nothing to do with Labour, it's an independent think tank.
I suggest you issue a correction and apology.
'Communities must have the right to own environmental assets'
Great letter from @tomchance.bsky.social of the Community Land Trust Network to @miattafahnbulleh.bsky.social, asking her to amend the Devolution Bill to strengthen Community Right to Buy:
www.communitylandtrusts.org.uk/news-and-eve...
Hi what has actually happened?
Delighted to say I have won gold at the National Community Radio Awards for The Saxonvale Saga, broadcast on @fromefm.bsky.social.
Here's our latest podacst:
Somerset Spotlight - No 5
Anna Sabine, MP for Frome and East Somerset talks to Sam Saunders (Fome FM) and Andrew Lee (Somerset Confidential).
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/somerset-s...
Happy to announce that I am a finalist for the 2025 National Community Radio Awards for The #Saxonvale Saga', broadcast on #FromeFM and nominated in the News, Journalism & Factual Storytelling of the Year category.
The awards ceremony is in Bradford on the 25th October. Fingers crossed.
#CRAs2025
I'm glad, thank you!
- How and why parish and town councils are taking on some assets and services from SC.
- The financial demands of adult social care.
- Inspiring Innovation - phase two of the transformation plan, and the £101 budget shortfall for 2025/2026.
3/3
- What his role entails and what Somerset Council's executive (cabinet) does.
- The issues of pay and (lack of) pensions as a cllr, and how to get wider representation in local politics.
- SC's critical financial position and the first phase of the transformation plan.
2/3
@somersetconf.bsky.social and I had a great chat with @somersetcouncil.bsky.social Cllr Theo Butt Philip, lead member for transformation, first broadcast on #FromeFM.
In it we we cover:
-Theo's background in local politics in Somerset.
\/ 1/3
somersetconfidential.substack.com/p/somerset-s...
'Redruth Revival’s development strategy was not driven by short-term commercial gain, but instead by a self-imposed mandate to assist with supporting long-term community resilience.' > and they've delivered something rather special. architecturetoday.co.uk/the-butterma... @archhfund.org.uk
I hope with Andrew (who is doing great work with Somerset Confidential) we can explore these issues and more in as much depth at the format allows. There is a lot we can discuss. It would be great to receive questions or suggestions on what to cover, do get in touch!
I find local government fascinating. Underreported on at best, ignored at worst, yet it has a central role in two of the biggest crises facing the UK: housing and social care. Questions about democracy, accountability and transparency are just as pertinent at this layer of government.
"Community-led development has been bubbling up for decades.
I'm firmly convinced it's the answer to the UK's housing crisis.
It's huge for Frome.
But this is a moment of consequence for the whole country."
youtu.be/Go3DdslosdY
Today the Chancellor is talking about growth.
We've joined forces with leaders locally and nationally to make a clear call to back community ownership and drive growth people can see and feel in their local area.
Read our letter 🖊️
https://buff.ly/40O3GdP
For those with an interest in learning a bit about Mayday, their community led development model, and how they got to where they are despite the immense challenges, I made an audio narrative-led documentary/podcast - shows.acast.com/the-saxonval...
New data from @cmmonwealth.bsky.social shows more support for energy projects if they are community-owned.
The Local Power Plan should drive a community-owned clean energy revolution, creating new jobs, income, and lower energy costs for local people.
www.common-wealth.org/publications...
Anyone interested in the five-year story of what led to this...I made a podcast/audio narrative documentary - shows.acast.com/66a2308999c0...
Now Mayday can buy the site the exciting stuff can happen...test casing a new way of doing development at scale...community-led and first.
Offer was above the red book value/land valuation (£4.9m) first time round so very likely the same. Mendip District Council overpaid when they bought the land originally.