Plymouth City Council has been shortlisted in the Co-operative Council of the Year category at the Co-operative of the Year Awards.
The Co-operative Council award, sponsored by the Co-operative Councils’ Innovation Network, recognises the best practice demonstrated by local authorities and celebrates the great work delivered at a local level.
Plymouth is a co-operative council, with co-operation one of the key values in the Corporate Plan, ensuring that the Council works together with partners in order to best serve the interests of the city and its communities. This joint partnership working has led to the creation of the new Plymouth Plan and Joint Local Plan, as well as Crowdfund Plymouth and support for social enterprises.
Plymouth City Council has also played a key role in the creation of new co-operative businesses including PEC Renewables, CATERed and Four Greens Community Trust.
Last year, Plymouth became the first council committed to doubling the size of its co-operative economy.
Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “Co-operatives are a great driver for positive economic growth which benefits the whole community and there’s some amazing work already being done in Plymouth.
“We’re committed to supporting the city’s co-operative economy and are incredibly proud to be one of just six councils shortlisted for this award.
“The winners will be decided by a public vote, so we’re asking you to please cast a vote for us – it would be such a fantastic achievement and a celebration of all the good work done by Plymouth’s co-operatives.”
There are 23 co-operative enterprises already based in Plymouth with a combined turnover of £18.6 million and membership of over 9,500 people. By 2025, the aim is for Plymouth to have double the number of co-operatives, the turnover, the number of members and the number of employees.
In November 2018, the Council adopted an action plan which includes strategic actions designed to promote and support co-operatives which has so far included innovative funding, hosting staff and community asset transfers.
Plymouth City Council will also be celebrating Co-operatives Fortnight from 24 June to 7 July, with a programme of events and activity.
The awards are organised by Co-operatives UK, the network for Britain’s thousands of member-owned businesses.
Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK said, “Judges were particularly impressed with the diversity of entries for the awards and the shortlisted co-ops all have very inspiring stories to share. We wish them the very best of luck in the public vote.”
To vote for Plymouth City Council, go to www.uk.coop/COTY_Shortlist. Voting closes at 23:59 on Thursday 13 June.