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.
