Arlen Pettitt
@arlenpettitt.bsky.social
Policy | Comms | Words - author of worroom.substack.com, a weekly newsletter on politics and policy in North East England
"Back when I were a lass, we never caught the train or bus –because, quite simply, there weren’t any. Even now, you’re still more likely to pass someone travelling on horse-back than by bus."
@jessicagh.bsky.social sits in for this week's Wor Room, recalling her Yorkshire youth and dodgy transport.
@jessicagh.bsky.social sits in for this week's Wor Room, recalling her Yorkshire youth and dodgy transport.
Guest Post: I’m sorry, I missed the bus
Jess Harpin sits in with recollections of growing up in Yorkshire, and the role of transport in our lives
open.substack.com
April 16, 2025 at 8:21 AM
"Back when I were a lass, we never caught the train or bus –because, quite simply, there weren’t any. Even now, you’re still more likely to pass someone travelling on horse-back than by bus."
@jessicagh.bsky.social sits in for this week's Wor Room, recalling her Yorkshire youth and dodgy transport.
@jessicagh.bsky.social sits in for this week's Wor Room, recalling her Yorkshire youth and dodgy transport.
Reposted by Arlen Pettitt
So the ONS has just released new stats on NHS experiences… ons.gov.uk/peoplepopula... ...let's see what it say about the North
Experiences of NHS healthcare services in England
- Office for National Statistics
Experiences of local GP services, NHS treatment waiting lists, dentistry and pharmacy services, analysing data from the Health Insight Survey commissioned by NHS England. These are official statistics...
ons.gov.uk
January 15, 2025 at 11:19 AM
So the ONS has just released new stats on NHS experiences… ons.gov.uk/peoplepopula... ...let's see what it say about the North
I love playing Budget Bingo, so that I can be disappointed every time - this year I think the North East needs local gov funding, FE funding, support for a film/TV studio, and investment in the Leamside Line.
You can read why I think that in The QT - theqt.online/time-for-the...
You can read why I think that in The QT - theqt.online/time-for-the...
Time for the Chancellor to turn on the taps - The QT
Arlen Pettit outlines where he thinks the Chancellor should use your taxes to best effect for our region and more broadly in his pre-election Budget on March 6
theqt.online
February 28, 2024 at 12:45 PM
I love playing Budget Bingo, so that I can be disappointed every time - this year I think the North East needs local gov funding, FE funding, support for a film/TV studio, and investment in the Leamside Line.
You can read why I think that in The QT - theqt.online/time-for-the...
You can read why I think that in The QT - theqt.online/time-for-the...
You're 17, you're in the 6th form common room. You've got your little off-brand MP3 player and some dodgy songs you found on the internet. One of them is The Hives, and you're listening to it with one earphone in while I talk to you about the recession.
That's this week's newsletter.
That's this week's newsletter.
Hate to say I told you so
Actually I love saying it, I just wish it wasn't about a recession
worroom.substack.com
February 21, 2024 at 1:54 PM
You're 17, you're in the 6th form common room. You've got your little off-brand MP3 player and some dodgy songs you found on the internet. One of them is The Hives, and you're listening to it with one earphone in while I talk to you about the recession.
That's this week's newsletter.
That's this week's newsletter.
This has made me nostalgic for that period in 2018-19 when Theresa May kept calling press conferences to say she wasn't going to resign
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024...
‘I refuse to quit’: defiant Nikki Haley vows to stay in race against Trump
‘I feel no need to kiss the ring,’ says Republican candidate as she turns up rhetorical heat ahead of South Carolina primary
www.theguardian.com
February 20, 2024 at 10:23 PM
This has made me nostalgic for that period in 2018-19 when Theresa May kept calling press conferences to say she wasn't going to resign
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024...
"In the North East, child poverty has to be the policy focus. Morally, it’s the only option as an umbrella mission. The human damage it does, the damage of lost potential is too great for it not to be top of the list."
My first column for The QT: theqt.online/a-year-of-ch...
My first column for The QT: theqt.online/a-year-of-ch...
A year of challenge and change - The QT
Policy and communications consultant Arlen Petitt outlines why 2024 is the most significant year for the North East in decades
theqt.online
February 7, 2024 at 2:37 PM
"In the North East, child poverty has to be the policy focus. Morally, it’s the only option as an umbrella mission. The human damage it does, the damage of lost potential is too great for it not to be top of the list."
My first column for The QT: theqt.online/a-year-of-ch...
My first column for The QT: theqt.online/a-year-of-ch...
There's a new online newspaper for North East England, launching on Wednesday.
I'm delighted to say I'm going to be in it, writing a regular column on policy, politics, data and evidence in the region.
You can read the first edition (and my first column) free by going to theqt.online
I'm delighted to say I'm going to be in it, writing a regular column on policy, politics, data and evidence in the region.
You can read the first edition (and my first column) free by going to theqt.online
February 5, 2024 at 8:32 PM
There's a new online newspaper for North East England, launching on Wednesday.
I'm delighted to say I'm going to be in it, writing a regular column on policy, politics, data and evidence in the region.
You can read the first edition (and my first column) free by going to theqt.online
I'm delighted to say I'm going to be in it, writing a regular column on policy, politics, data and evidence in the region.
You can read the first edition (and my first column) free by going to theqt.online
Guest views in this week's newsletter, where I rely on @leighsus.bsky.social to give some credibility to my take on the Teesworks Independent Review.
open.substack.com/pub/worroom/...
open.substack.com/pub/worroom/...
"Not of themselves sufficiently robust or transparent to evidence value for money"
The Teesworks Review has been published!
open.substack.com
January 31, 2024 at 8:15 AM
Guest views in this week's newsletter, where I rely on @leighsus.bsky.social to give some credibility to my take on the Teesworks Independent Review.
open.substack.com/pub/worroom/...
open.substack.com/pub/worroom/...
Got annoyed about the Centre for Social Justice and wrote 1200 words on their most recent report to start this week's newsletter.
On euphemism and anecdote
The Centre for Social Justice, deprivation, homelessness and other cheerful subjects in this week's newsletter
worroom.substack.com
December 13, 2023 at 2:23 PM
Got annoyed about the Centre for Social Justice and wrote 1200 words on their most recent report to start this week's newsletter.
"Those of us who believe in tolerance, humanity, compassion, diversity, need to watch out and play our part to keep those lives open."
I spoke to @tomrobinson.com about how artists can build a career, and the role of political music in changing society:
www.apatternof.com/features/tom...
I spoke to @tomrobinson.com about how artists can build a career, and the role of political music in changing society:
www.apatternof.com/features/tom...
Tom Robinson, WHATEVER THE HELL THAT IS, I WANT TO BE ONE OF THEM — Pattern
As a songwriter, Tom Robinson penned one of the anthems of the gay rights
movement. As a broadcaster, he’s dedicated to supporting artists and
providing a platform for new music. We spoke to him a...
www.apatternof.com
November 28, 2023 at 1:49 PM
"Those of us who believe in tolerance, humanity, compassion, diversity, need to watch out and play our part to keep those lives open."
I spoke to @tomrobinson.com about how artists can build a career, and the role of political music in changing society:
www.apatternof.com/features/tom...
I spoke to @tomrobinson.com about how artists can build a career, and the role of political music in changing society:
www.apatternof.com/features/tom...
A couple of good maps in this week's newsletter - one on housing and infrastructure across the North from Homes for the North, and another from Chris Whitty's annual report which shows how the UK population is expected to age.
He's back! No, not him...Chris Whitty.
The Chief Medical Officer's annual report, NECC's levelling up report, and Homes for the North's plan for more and better homes
open.substack.com
November 15, 2023 at 9:27 AM
A couple of good maps in this week's newsletter - one on housing and infrastructure across the North from Homes for the North, and another from Chris Whitty's annual report which shows how the UK population is expected to age.
Tax them. Tax them for the emissions. Tax them for the weight and the additional use and wear of infrastructure. Tax them for the excess deaths. Tax them to change the consumer behaviours behind it.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Monsters of the road: what should the UK do about SUVs?
They have higher emissions, hog roadspace and are more dangerous for other road users. Yet SUVs are selling better than ever. As calls for curbs increase, some people are taking matters into their own...
www.theguardian.com
November 5, 2023 at 4:58 PM
Tax them. Tax them for the emissions. Tax them for the weight and the additional use and wear of infrastructure. Tax them for the excess deaths. Tax them to change the consumer behaviours behind it.
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
Anyone on here expert enough in investment flows to tell me what the North East ranking high in foreign investment (third behind London and the South East) but low on investment sticking in the region (just 43% stays here) means?
Is being a gateway good?
worroom.substack.com/p/54-of-nort...
Is being a gateway good?
worroom.substack.com/p/54-of-nort...
November 1, 2023 at 3:37 PM
Anyone on here expert enough in investment flows to tell me what the North East ranking high in foreign investment (third behind London and the South East) but low on investment sticking in the region (just 43% stays here) means?
Is being a gateway good?
worroom.substack.com/p/54-of-nort...
Is being a gateway good?
worroom.substack.com/p/54-of-nort...
Some news! I'm going to be working with New Writing North as a Creative Associate on a six-month residency, to write a collection of essays exploring North East masculinity, community and identity.
Find out all about it (and the three other talented associates), at the link below!
Find out all about it (and the three other talented associates), at the link below!
£30,000 Combined Authority cash boost for local creative and climate projects – supported by New ...
Six local creative and climate projects are set to enter an exciting new phase, after securing significant funding and support from the North of Tyne Combined Authority and Newcastle-based writing dev...
newwritingnorth.com
October 23, 2023 at 1:12 PM
Some news! I'm going to be working with New Writing North as a Creative Associate on a six-month residency, to write a collection of essays exploring North East masculinity, community and identity.
Find out all about it (and the three other talented associates), at the link below!
Find out all about it (and the three other talented associates), at the link below!
How brave is Keir Starmer? That's the question on housing and planning.
Great to guest on the Northern Agenda podcast this week to elaborate on this week's Wor Room newsletter and talk about the many and varied housing crises facing the UK, and how much political capital it would take to fix them.
Great to guest on the Northern Agenda podcast this week to elaborate on this week's Wor Room newsletter and talk about the many and varied housing crises facing the UK, and how much political capital it would take to fix them.
The Northern Agenda: 🏠 How do we solve the housing crisis and why aren't we building enough homes...
This week Rob Parsons chats to Amy Newton, the founder of the Manchester Tech Festival which brings together leading figures from the North's tech and digital sectors.We all know technology and dig...
podfollow.com
October 20, 2023 at 10:14 AM
How brave is Keir Starmer? That's the question on housing and planning.
Great to guest on the Northern Agenda podcast this week to elaborate on this week's Wor Room newsletter and talk about the many and varied housing crises facing the UK, and how much political capital it would take to fix them.
Great to guest on the Northern Agenda podcast this week to elaborate on this week's Wor Room newsletter and talk about the many and varied housing crises facing the UK, and how much political capital it would take to fix them.
More on housing and housebuilding in my Substack this week...
October 18, 2023 at 10:10 AM
More on housing and housebuilding in my Substack this week...
A map for you - of 2022/23 housebuilding completions by UK local authority.
public.flourish.studio/visualisatio...
public.flourish.studio/visualisatio...
LA Housebuilding Completions (2022-23)
A Flourish data visualization by Arlen Pettitt
public.flourish.studio
October 17, 2023 at 10:30 AM
A map for you - of 2022/23 housebuilding completions by UK local authority.
public.flourish.studio/visualisatio...
public.flourish.studio/visualisatio...
"I love ‘live’, I’ve always loved live, I presumed it was live radio and live TV, but actually it can be live events and live relationships"
I spoke to Charlie Charlton about the next phase of her career, after nearly 20 years as a BBC broadcaster.
I spoke to Charlie Charlton about the next phase of her career, after nearly 20 years as a BBC broadcaster.
Chatting with Charlie, Charlie Charlton, Newcastle Helix — Pattern
Charlie Charlton tells stories for a living, and encourages other people to
tell theirs too. After nearly twenty years with the BBC as a senior
journalist and broadcaster, she’s now Community Enga...
www.apatternof.com
October 17, 2023 at 9:26 AM
"I love ‘live’, I’ve always loved live, I presumed it was live radio and live TV, but actually it can be live events and live relationships"
I spoke to Charlie Charlton about the next phase of her career, after nearly 20 years as a BBC broadcaster.
I spoke to Charlie Charlton about the next phase of her career, after nearly 20 years as a BBC broadcaster.
This week's newsletter, which is only illustrative...any content is subject to change. Don't get too excited, it probably won't happen. Anyway, vote for me.
(Actual contents - some thoughts on conferences, term-time population changes, A&E and deprivation, and Euro 2028)
(Actual contents - some thoughts on conferences, term-time population changes, A&E and deprivation, and Euro 2028)
This newsletter is only illustrative
Any grasp of reality is purely coincidental
open.substack.com
October 11, 2023 at 8:07 AM
This week's newsletter, which is only illustrative...any content is subject to change. Don't get too excited, it probably won't happen. Anyway, vote for me.
(Actual contents - some thoughts on conferences, term-time population changes, A&E and deprivation, and Euro 2028)
(Actual contents - some thoughts on conferences, term-time population changes, A&E and deprivation, and Euro 2028)
I've entered bluesky via the politics and policy entrance...is there also a football bluesky where people will say encouraging things to me about Reading FC being on the brink?
October 6, 2023 at 9:34 AM
I've entered bluesky via the politics and policy entrance...is there also a football bluesky where people will say encouraging things to me about Reading FC being on the brink?
Very much enjoying that the BBC has a topic of 'Beeching cuts' for this Leamside Line story.
October 5, 2023 at 4:01 PM
Very much enjoying that the BBC has a topic of 'Beeching cuts' for this Leamside Line story.
This week's newsletter, as you might have guessed from the image, is mostly about the Tory Conference.
open.substack.com/pub/worroom/...
open.substack.com/pub/worroom/...
October 4, 2023 at 8:00 AM
This week's newsletter, as you might have guessed from the image, is mostly about the Tory Conference.
open.substack.com/pub/worroom/...
open.substack.com/pub/worroom/...
New piece for Pattern - talking with Sarah Cox of the InnovationSupernetwork about innovation in the North East.
We talk about her work and life, why she's so in to innovation, and the developing ecosystem in the region.
It also features a couple of businesses who have benefited from the programme
We talk about her work and life, why she's so in to innovation, and the developing ecosystem in the region.
It also features a couple of businesses who have benefited from the programme
Sarah Cox, Challenge Programme lead for Innovation SuperNetwork. Challenge North Tyne — Pattern
Sarah Cox is a professional innovator and, as the Challenge Programme lead
for Innovation SuperNetwork, her expertise is helping people in the North
East tackle some of the biggest issues facing the...
www.apatternof.com
October 3, 2023 at 8:24 AM
New piece for Pattern - talking with Sarah Cox of the InnovationSupernetwork about innovation in the North East.
We talk about her work and life, why she's so in to innovation, and the developing ecosystem in the region.
It also features a couple of businesses who have benefited from the programme
We talk about her work and life, why she's so in to innovation, and the developing ecosystem in the region.
It also features a couple of businesses who have benefited from the programme
UK politicians have been stuck in survival mode so long there's no such thing as proper strategy or policymaking anymore, just reacting to whichever panic is currently happening...often by unpicking previous strategic thinking.
As the Tory Conference starts, I've written about why that's a problem.
As the Tory Conference starts, I've written about why that's a problem.
'Survival politics' is threatening our actual survival
It's conference season, so please forgive the extra edition of this newsletter
open.substack.com
October 1, 2023 at 3:43 PM
UK politicians have been stuck in survival mode so long there's no such thing as proper strategy or policymaking anymore, just reacting to whichever panic is currently happening...often by unpicking previous strategic thinking.
As the Tory Conference starts, I've written about why that's a problem.
As the Tory Conference starts, I've written about why that's a problem.