The future is cooperative
Let’s face it: local government can sometimes feel like trying to fix a leaky roof in a thunderstorm – with a teaspoon. But what if I told you there is a network of councils across the UK that has decided to swap the teaspoon for a toolkit, a tarpaulin and a team of neighbours who actually want to help? That’s the Cooperative Councils’ Innovation Network (CCIN) in a nutshell.
CCIN is a collaboration of councils committed to doing things differently – working with communities, not just for them. We’re about cooperation, empowerment and innovation.
And we’re not just talking the talk. Our members represent more than 11 million citizens and manage £19 billion in public budgets. That’s a lot of potential for good.
And here’s the exciting bit: the original architects of CCIN – Steve Reed MP, Baroness Sharon Taylor, and until recently, Jim McMahon MP – are now in government.
Yes, the very people who helped build this movement are now shaping national policy. It’s like your mates from the local pub band suddenly headlining Glastonbury. And they’ve brought their values with them.
The Government has pledged to double the size of the cooperative and mutual sector. That’s not just a nice idea – it’s a seismic shift in how we think about public services, community wealth and economic resilience.
CCIN is perfectly placed to help councils ride this wave, rather than get swept away by it.
Now, let’s talk about our shiny new Social Value Toolkit.
It’s not just another PDF to gather digital dust. It’s a radical rethink of how councils can commission services that actually deliver long-term benefit, not just tick boxes.
The toolkit challenges the old ‘bolt-on’ approach to social value and, instead, embeds it into every stage of decision-making. It’s about co-production, collaboration, and community-led innovation. You can download the toolkit.
Whether you’re commissioning homecare, building housing, or just trying to make your procurement process less soul-crushing, this toolkit gives you the mindset and methods to do it better.
It’s packed with real-world examples – from Westminster’s regeneration work to Wigan’s ethical homecare framework – and practical tools such as supplier charters, social value directories and relational commissioning models.
So, if you’re a council leader, officer, or just someone who thinks ‘there must be a better way’, then join us.
CCIN isn’t a club for the converted, it’s a movement for the curious, the courageous and, occasionally, the caffeine-fuelled.
And if you’re still unsure, remember: in a world full of silos, spreadsheets and stress, being part of a cooperative network might just be the most sensible (and enjoyable) decision you make this year.
The Cooperative Councils’ Innovation Network is a special interest group of the LGA. Visit councils.coop or email [email protected] to find out more
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