Co-operate Islington

At the beginning of 2022, Islington Council launched a new programme specifically targeted on supporting new and existing and co-operatives through supporting a new Co-operative Development Agency (CDA) for the borough – Co-operate Islington. Co-operate Islington aims to build a stronger co-operative sector and a more inclusive economy in Islington, enabling more money to be spent ethically and locally.

“We’re really excited to see Islington Council put this level of funding into co-operative development, which we believe dwarfs anything else happening in the UK, per head of population. The programme aims to reduce inequalities and promote economic justice in Islington through co-operatives” James Wright – Policy and Development Lead, Co-operatives UK

Initially, the council partnered with a consortium of local co-operatives and co-op organisers to establish and embed the support agency, alongside offering dedicated support for groups to start or grow co-operatives. Support comprises one-to-one advice, training sessions, funding, workspace, networking opportunities and other resources. They are also working with the biggest institutions in the borough, helping them adapt supply chains to buy goods and services locally from ethical providers.

The intention is that with initial funding from the council, a brand new CDA, with its own governing body and membership and a mix of funding and commercial revenue, is being established to deliver targeted support for developing co-operatives in the ‘foundational economy’ – goods and services that people need to access regardless of their income and social status. They intend to focus on a series of sectors; in particular the care sector (childcare and adult social care), education, housing, utilities, food supply, green initiatives and tradespeople.

“The longer-term vision is to make Islington an even better environment for co-operatives and build a support base for the CDA to ensure its ongoing sustainability.”