Council joins partnership to boost business and keep money in the district

Canterbury City Council has joined a partnership of more than 30 local authorities working together to promote sustainable economic growth and build a different type of economy in the places where we live. 

The Cabinet agreed to seek membership of the Cooperative Councils Innovation Network (CCIN) at its meeting at the end of September and the council has now been welcomed into the fold. 

The CCIN exists to help councils build inclusive economies by promoting fair wages and recirculating wealth by encouraging local businesses to buy from and support one another. 

Cllr Chris Cornell, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Inclusion, said: “Many of our towns are characterised by sectors which pay their staff the national minimum wage.  

“We believe it’s our duty to ensure we do everything we can to make work pay for people and that money earned in the district stays in local pockets by actively encouraging businesses to buy from other local firms. 

“Many of our residents choose to shop locally and rightly expect their council to do the same.

“Tapping into the knowledge and experience of those areas in the country which are already on that journey is a no-brainer. 

“It will also allow us to compare the progress we make against that made by others.” 

The CCIN’s principles include: 

• social partnership – shared responsibility for mutual benefit 
• enterprise and social economy – promoting community-based approached to economic development 
• maximising social value  
• embracing innovation 
• walking the talk – putting it all into action 

Cllr Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council and Chair of the Cooperative Councils’ Innovation Network, said: “We are delighted to welcome Canterbury City Council to the Network as our 48th Full Council Member. 

“Joining the CCIN offers opportunities to learn from other local authorities across the UK who are committed to using cooperative values and principles to build resilient places through community wealth building and co-produced services.   

“As the fastest-growing cross-party network in local government, our members are committed to finding better ways of working for and with local people to benefit their local community.   

“The new government gives us a fantastic opportunity to push forward and highlight the role of cooperative values in delivering their missions for the country: community energy projects, fair employment, community wealth building and much more.  

“Change is happening. We’re looking forward to working with our colleagues in Canterbury.” 

Liz Wellstead is the founder of the Streets Ahead Collective housed in the former Dixons building in Longmarket, Canterbury. 

The Streets Ahead Collective is a project dedicated to revitalising communities through initiatives that pull together creativity, learning and social impact. 

She said: “Streets Ahead is an artist co-operative providing a place where people learning in Canterbury can set up shop and make their living here. 

“We fully support the efforts of the council in supporting social enterprise and finding new and innovative ways to breathe life back into our high streets.” 

Find more information on CCIN here. 

Published: 4 December 2024