Principles met

  • We will develop systems that enable citizens to be equal partners in designing and commissioning public services and in determining the use of public resources.
  • We will capture and ‘expand’ the experience and learning from individual projects and approaches in order to encourage broader application of co-operative principles within individual member Councils and across the Network.
  • We will support the development of a framework and criteria for social value, giving substance to the concept and supporting Councils with the tools to ensure better local social and economic outcomes.
  • In exploring new ways of meeting the priority needs of our communities we will encourage models, such as co-operatives and mutuals, which give greater influence and voice to staff and users. in designing and commissioning public services and in determining the use of public resources.

Rochdale In Bloom is part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘Britain In Bloom’ competition. Whilst there is a competitive element, it provides a powerful tool for building communities and tackling local issues together.

Rochdale’s In Bloom offer is, unusually, not managed by the local authority. Citizens are equal partners in designing the programme, which is overseen by an enthusiastic group of volunteers. It has flourished from a small team to a large collaborative network of community groups, private businesses, schools, individuals and the local authority.

Whilst it is not a formal co-operative, it remains true to Rochdale’s co-operative heritage and is rooted in the values of self-help, self-responsibility, equity, equality and solidarity. There is a strong sense of mutual ownership and support, which is key to the continued growth and development of the project. As the chair of Rochdale In Bloom observed, “Co-operation ~ It’s in our DNA”

Transforming spaces

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