Pride in Place, Co-operation and the Risk of Community Power Being Displaced: Are we putting Place before Party?

June 23, 2026 by David Smith

Pride in Place, Co-operation and the Risk of Community Power Being Displaced: Are we putting Place before Party?

The Pride in Place Prospectus makes important and welcome references to community-led delivery, co-operatives, community benefit societies, charities, community institutions and the transition of Neighbourhood Boards towards community-led models.

However, concerns are now emerging nationally that the co-operative dimension of Pride in Place is not being adequately promoted, resourced, protected or driven at local level.

The central concern is this: Pride in Place was meant to be different. It was meant to put communities in control. It must not become another programme where funding is controlled through the back door by institutions already holding power.

About David Smith

A lifelong co-operative and community activist at all levels of the movement, including the Co-op Group Main Board. Public service includes Government Food Adviser; UK Healthcare Regulator. David founded the first Community Law Centre in Wales and directed the first EC funded Wales Anti-Poverty Programme: pioneering co-operative & place making community initiatives. https://www.svcymru.org/files/2021-03/david-smith-a-founders-tale.pdf Robert Owen Memorial Museum Trustee. Director, Sheffield Co-op Development Group. Graduate Ruskin College, Oxford and UC Cardiff + PGCE, MA (European Human Resource Management) Keele; Professional Food & Management qualifications. Former Lecturer, Gwent Tertiary College.
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