Who are They?
The Co-operative Councils Innovation Network is a collaboration between local authorities who are committed to finding better ways of working for, and with, local people for the benefit of their local community.
Their work recognises the need to define a new model for local government built on civic leadership, with councils working in equal partnership with local people to shape and strengthen communities. This means a new role for local authorities that replaces traditional models of top down governance and service delivery with local leadership, genuine co-operation, and a new approach built on the founding traditions of the co-operative movement: collective action, co-operation, empowerment and enterprise.
They provide a national voice for co-operative councils, informed by real experience and practice, with the aim of drawing on, influencing and framing national policy and political debates about the future of public services, local democracy, and communities across the country.
They are a network of local authorities who are committed to reforming the way they work through building an equal partnership with local people.
Who can join?
The network is open to all UK councils regardless of political affiliation who can demonstrate innovation and a willingness to drive forward the cooperative council agenda. They also welcome affiliate members from professional bodies, policy groups and other associations.
How can they help?
They work together to learn, share and develop innovative new approaches to turning co-operative principles into local practice that makes a tangible difference across our communities. More than a policy exchange or think tank, they are an active network of councils delivering on the ground across many UK towns and cities. – See more at: http://www.coopinnovation.co.uk/about-us/#sthash.zlEh7vD2.dpuf
Paper by Julie Dore
