Greenwich council launches a bold strategy, Together for Greenwich, focusing on community energy, co-operative growth, and social care.
Royal Greenwich has announced a transformative strategy, Together for Greenwich: Co-operation for the Future, aimed at addressing key challenges in social care, community energy, and local economic development through innovative co-operative solutions. This first-of-its-kind initiative reflects the borough’s strong tradition of collaboration and empowers residents, businesses, and stakeholders to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future.
The strategy is the result of recommendations developed by a specially convened commission chaired by Lord Steve Bassam of Brighton, alongside Councillor Mariam Lolavar. The commission included independent experts in co-operative models, who identified three main priorities for positive change: community energy, co-operative economic development, and social care.
A Vision for Inclusivity and Empowerment
Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, and Borough of Sanctuary, hailed the initiative as a milestone for Greenwich. “Together for Greenwich is a powerful step towards building a more inclusive, fair, and sustainable future for our borough. By embracing co-operative values, we are putting our communities at the heart of decision-making, ensuring that everyone has a voice in shaping the services and opportunities that matter most. These recommendations are not just about policy; they are about real change led by our residents, strengthening our local economy and transforming how we support one another.”
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of Royal Greenwich, highlighted the economic potential of co-operatives. “Co-operatives have a proven track record of creating meaningful jobs, strengthening local economies, and putting people above profit. By aligning with the government’s ambition to double the UK’s co-operative economy, we’re ensuring that economic growth benefits everyone—not just a select few.”
Key Priorities for Change
The strategy identifies three main areas of focus to drive meaningful impact:
Expanding Community Energy:
Royal Greenwich aims to support projects that enable residents to generate and own renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions and reinvesting profits locally. Initiatives like the £1 million Community Energy Fund are set to empower communities to establish their own energy co-operatives.
Dr Giovanna Speciale, CEO of South East London Community Energy, emphasised the far-reaching benefits: “Community energy is not just about reducing carbon emissions—it’s about empowering communities. By expanding these projects, we can ensure that renewable energy benefits everyone, from reducing energy costs to funding local improvements.”
Boosting the Local Economy:
The Commission recommends supporting the establishment of new co-operatives and assisting existing businesses in transitioning to co-operative models. These businesses, owned and managed collectively by workers or users, are known for fostering stable jobs and driving economic growth.
Claire Pritchard, Director of Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency, noted, “Co-operatives are a proven way to create good jobs, strengthen our local economy, and address social challenges effectively. By fostering a culture of co-operation, we’re investing in a thriving, inclusive borough for years to come.”
Improving Social Care:
The council plans to implement co-operative care models that prioritise fairness, quality, and community leadership. A “co-operative care compact” will support local care initiatives focused on putting people before profit.
Emma Back, Founder of Equal Care Co-op, explained the benefits of this approach: “A co-operative model naturally prioritises relationships. It builds trust, equity, and a holistic approach to caregiving, empowering both those receiving support and those providing it. Together, we can reimagine care as an empowering, sustainable experience rather than one focused on ticking compliance checklists.”
What Are Co-operatives?
A co-operative (co-op) is a business owned and run by its users or workers. Decisions are made collectively, and profits are either shared among members or reinvested to benefit the group. Co-ops strengthen local economies, create jobs, and promote fair prices and working conditions. They foster collaboration and ensure that communities retain economic benefits locally, making them a vital tool for achieving equity and sustainability.
Expert-Led Recommendations
The Commission, led by Lord Bassam, featured a team of independent experts, including Dr Giovanna Speciale, Emma Back, and Claire Pritchard, alongside councillors and policy advisors. Their collective expertise shaped the strategy, ensuring it reflects both local needs and global best practices.
Looking Forward
The recommendations have been informed by extensive input from residents, stakeholders, and international co-operative leaders. With Together for Greenwich, the council is committed to following co-operative principles and positioning Royal Greenwich as a leader in the UK’s co-operative movement.
As Councillor Okereke stated, “This strategy embodies our commitment to co-operation, ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to thrive in an inclusive and sustainable borough.”
By embracing this forward-thinking approach, Greenwich is setting a benchmark for other local authorities, demonstrating that co-operation and collaboration can create lasting, meaningful change for communities.
ALSO READ: Ride On, Camden
