PEOPLE from all parts of the community are having a say on how Tameside Council can work more closely with others to deliver better services.
The council has been afforded membership of the Co-operative Councils’ Innovation Network (CCIN) – a membership based, non-party political network established to promote the delivery of local services in a co-operative or co-productive way.
On October 3 representatives from local public sector, voluntary and community organisations met with elected members and council officers at Dukinfield Town Hall for the Tameside Co-operative Council Summit to share their ideas and insights on how to further develop co-operative working.
In the face of funding cuts, Co-operative Councils aim to transform local public services from a top-down system to a co-operative approach involving collective action, co-operation, empowerment and enterprise.
More than 100 representatives attended the half-day summit which included presentations from the Tameside Council executive leader Cllr Brenda Warrington, Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Andrew Gwynne MP and Nicola Huckerby and Cllr Martin Judd, both representing Co-operative Councils’ innovation network.
The summit involved group work, discussions and a “market-stall” style showcase of existing co-operative projects in Tameside.
Cllr Warrington said: “We’re delighted to have achieved membership of the Co-operative Councils’ innovation network, which recognises our commitment to cooperative working and passion to develop it further.
“The summit was a great opportunity to showcase how cooperative working is already improving people’s lives in Tameside as well as share and explore ideas for where else we can embrace this model of collaborative working to have a positive impact and ensure residents remain central to service delivery.
“There has already been lots of inspiring discussions and feedback from our partners and the local community and we will continue to welcome suggestions and comments.”
In addition, engagement with the public has or is scheduled to take place at community groups, schools and colleges.
People can also provide their views on the principles of co-operative councils and suggestions for further ways of co-operative working via the feedback survey online:
www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ccintmbc
More information about the Co-operative Councils’ innovation network can be found at www.tameside.gov.uk/coopcouncil