PR Date: Friday, 8 November 2019 - 12:30pm
North Hertfordshire District Council (NHDC) is now officially a Cooperative Council after joining a network of local authorities committed to transforming the way they work with communities.
The Co-operative Councils’ Innovation Network (CCIN) was created as a result of public sector funding cuts, during one of the most challenging periods for local government. As councils look for innovative ways of providing services, the network provides an active hub for co-operative policy development, innovation and advocacy.
Councillors Martin Stears-Handscomb, Steve Jarvis and Sam North from North Herts District Council attended the CCIN’s annual conference in Rochdale last month, where discussions revolved around the use of citizens’ panels in responding to the climate emergency; how councils can work with their communities to build community wealth; and how co-op development bodies can help councils significantly increase the size of the co-operative economy.
Cooperative Councils are committed to engaging with communities to determine what services are needed in and area and how they should be delivered. By becoming a Cooperative Council, we are committed to the cooperative values of:
- Self-help
- Self responsibility
- Democracy
- Equality
- Equity
- Solidarity
Cllr Martin Stears-Handscomb Leader of the Council said: "Working co-operatively creates opportunity, prosperity and meaningful work, and brings social and economic benefits to communities and businesses throughout the country. We want to build on the Council’s cooperative approach, bringing local benefits to our communities."
Cllr Sharon Taylor, Chair of CCIN and Leader of Stevenage Borough Council said: "I am delighted that my neighbours in North Herts have joined the Network. I look forward to working together with colleagues there, building on the good relations we already have with Martin and his team."
ENDS
For further information contact NHDC Communications Officer Sarah Jenkinson on sarah.jenkinson@north-herts.gov.uk or tel 01462 47210.
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