• Text Size
  • Contrast

Principles met

  • Co-production

    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.

  • Innovation

    We will embrace innovation in how we work with local communities to drive positive change.

  • Maximising social value

    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.

  • New models of meeting priority needs

    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.

Using an innovative, cooperative approach, local councils and partner organisations have built new, advanced digital infrastructure, serving public sector, businesses and citizens.

The ‘thin layer model’ – pioneered in Tameside in Greater Manchester – facilitates rapid deployment of new digital infrastructure, avoiding the complications and downsides associated with other public-sector interventions. A ‘thin-layer’ cooperative provides a set of shared rules which govern trade between its members – in this case private sector companies paying public sector asset holders for the use of their assets.

The thin layer model is pragmatic. Councils and their public sector partners have invested in new infrastructure assets where an internal business case can be made, repurposing service expenditure to build new infrastructure with long-term savings.

Using the thin layer model, the assets of different organisations are sewn together to form a coherent, integrated infrastructure that is shared using a neutral co-operative: Cooperative Network Infrastructure (CNI). CNI brings together public agencies with infrastructure that can be shared. This includes local authorities , NHS trusts, college groups and social housing providers. These contributor members share digital infrastructure assets, while retaining ownership and without needing to invest in complex SPV or JV structures.

The model allows the benefits of collaboration to be shared with the private sector telecoms operators and ISPs as well. Private-sector members of the cooperative can access the shared infrastructure on equal, non-exclusive terms.

For further information contact:

Back to Case Studies