CCIN Members’ Update September 2020

• 2nd Sep 2020

Welcome to the September edition of Update

This month we mourn the passing of Chris Herries.  Chris was known to many of us as a mentor, ally, and a guiding hand through the sometimes-unforgiving political maelstrom.  The first female Chair of Co-operatives UK, and a former teacher, Chris used her experience and values to support the careers of many women in the sector. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time.

In the fight against COVID-19, billions were spent to protect the most vulnerable, while at the same time, crucial income was lost as the country went into Lockdown.  It is estimated that councils in England now face a £10 billion funding shortfall for this financial year. The stark reality is that local government is facing its biggest ever funding crisis, and without the funding shortfall being addressed, thousands of jobs could be lost.  According to Unison if social care and public health were protected from funding cuts, every other council service would see cuts of 54%.The crisis has seen an unprecedented interest in the work that you are doing. We have welcomed 15 new Members and Supporters since March. There is appetite to join a Network whose members are taking the brave decision to work with communities in order to tackle increasing austerity and challenges on their own doorstep, by investing in the power of people.  
 
Thank you to the many councils who responded to our call to share their experiences in our ‘Action Learning Set from Covid-19’, we’re looking forward to sharing that piece with you at our Annual Conference in October.
 
Thanks also to our Associate and Affiliate Members who have joined our WhatsApp Groups designed to encourage in-Network cooperative working.  This month we’re planning to create another Group for Health and Social Care Leads in Member Councils and Shadow Leads at Associate Member Councils. Our ‘Cooperative Difference in Care Report’ is beginning to take shape and we are keen to increase dialogue in this area with a view to funding more innovative projects next year.

Finally, I’m delighted to welcome Cllr Ian Ward and Birmingham City Council as our 32nd Full Council Member.  Cllr Ward explains  why they have chosen to join the Network now, we are very much looking forward to working with them.
 
I hope that you enjoy this Member Update.

Stay safe and look after each other.

Best wishes

Sharon

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