Telford & Wrekin co-operative council plans gathers support
Telford & Wrekin Council’s ambitious plan to become a Co-operative Council is gathering support with a range of individuals signing up to the new scheme.
Under a Co-operative Council, residents, local organisations and staff would have a greater stake in shaping frontline services.
As part of the new approach, the council plans to set up a new Co-operative Commission that would include businesses and community leaders who will help the Council develop its approach to becoming a Co-operative Council by suggesting new ways of doing things and challenging the Council to work more closely with others.
It’s hoped the new Co-operative Commission will be up and running by September, providing Cabinet approve a report at its next meeting on July 26.
Commissioners would be volunteers and would not receive any payments.
A variety of people have already signed up to the new scheme including:
• Lee Carter, AFC Telford
• Paul Kalinauckas, Black Country Re-investment Society
• Ian Dosser, GAP Gemini
• Connecting Communities Group
• Keith Osmund Smith, Telford Street Pastors (Telford Christian Council)
• Lyn Brayne, Citizens Advice Bureau
• Fay Easton, Ironbridge Regeneration Partnership
• Graham Clark, Wellington Regeneration Partnership
• David Parker, Newport Regeneration Partnership
• Jonathan Sedgebeer, Unison
Cllr Shaun Davies, Cabinet Member for Co-operative Council & Partnerships said: "A Co-operative Council offers a fresh way of working. The new commission will bring local organisations, residents and businesses into the heart of decision making.
“ We are not passing on our responsibilities but working with local organisations to maximise resources and to deliver the best services for the people of Telford and Wrekin.”
“We have to do things differently so that we can safeguard local services and ensure that central government cuts do not impact front line services.”
Ian Dosser, Chair of the Business Board at Gap Gemini, said: “The Co-Operative Commission offers a new way of working with Telford & Wrekin Council and we are looking forward to helping set up the group. The Commission will bring together a range of organisations and this can only be a good thing for the residents of Telford and Wrekin.”
Telford & Wrekin Council faces around £25m cuts in government grants by 2014. The combined inflation pressures mean the council must find £35m savings over the next three years.
Telford & Wrekin Council is the first council in the West Midlands to set up a Co-Operative Council, other national examples include Lambeth Council.
Other goals for the Co-operative Council include setting up a schools learning partnership where schools would share advice, organization and support.
Small businesses could also benefit from a small business loans fund whilst community groups could benefit from greater partnership. Already, plans are under way to develop the community use of Dawley Town Hall.
