A spotlight on Community Wealth Building
North Ayrshire Council became the first Community Wealth Building (CWB) local authority in Scotland when we set out our vision back in 2020.
As well as striving to make our local economy work for local people this bold economic strategy had people and their wellbeing at its very core.
It recognises that a strong local economy should not only generate wealth, but also contribute to healthier, fairer and more inclusive communities.
A Wellbeing Economy is an economy that works for people and the planet and delivers social, economic and environmental justice for all. It prioritises fair distribution of wealth, opportunities and privileges within our society, all on a healthy, thriving planet.
Promoting local jobs and embedding fair work across Ayrshire, making better use of assets for community benefit and promoting inclusive ownership models are at the heart of CWB – and a clear and shining example of putting people and their wellbeing first.
Our Community Wealth Buidling approach has supported 27 businesses to change their ownership structure to become employee-owned or cooperative businesses, while nearly 300 firms have received grants and support and 270 firms have been supported to create a Fair Work Plan.
The creation of meaningful, secure and fairly paid jobs is seen as a cornerstone of improving people’s lives. This reflects our commitment to ensuring work plays a positive role in supporting wellbeing and helping people thrive.
The Scottish Government is also committed to transitioning to a wellbeing economy and shares our aspiration to be inclusive to all residents.
Such has been the success of our approach, the Scottish Parliament’s Economy and Fair Work Committee took part in a special event at the Townhouse, Irvine. They were there to learn from the experiences of North Ayrshire Council and local businesses and community groups who have first-hand experience of how this economic model has positively impacted them.
Laura Neill, Senior Manager, Employability, said: "We want to be inclusive to all of our residents, with wealth and opportunities fairly distributed and for our young people to reach their full potential as part of a sustainable future. We are proud of the progress made and delighted with some of the success stories. We will strive to continue working with local businesses, our anchor partners to ensure North Ayrshire is fair and inclusive for all."
It is clear Community Wealth Building in Ayrshire has demonstrated tangible and lasting impact and is a pioneering model of inclusive economic development.
By embedding wellbeing into economic policy, it seeks to create a fairer, more resilient local economy where prosperity is shared and communities can thrive.
Our Community Wealth Building Strategy can be viewed online
