We recently responded to the Economy and Fair Work Committee’s Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill Call for Views.   We continue to support the Government’s previous consultation assertion that “CWB is focused on growing the influence communities have on the economy and ensuring communities receive more of the benefits from the wealth they help to generate.”

We also continue to agree that the transition to a wellbeing economy requires a “whole system transformation”, of which CWB needs to be a core component.

However, we maintain that to truly ‘tackle long-standing economic challenges and transform local and regional economies’, the legislation must clearly recognise that CWB encompasses more than just economic growth – it also includes social, cultural and environmental wealth.  Acknowledging this broader definition would better position Scotland to achieve sustainable and equitable wealth for the benefit of everyone.

We consider this Bill – in tandem with non-legislative policy initiatives – offers an opportunity to permanently embed and mainstream CWB principles within and across the wide range of public policy spheres is crucial to achieving the fairer, wealthier, and greener wellbeing economy to which we all collectively aspire.  The requirement to produce a CWB Statement, Guidance and Actions Plans offers an opportunity to ensure consistency across Scotland.

However, a fundamental element missing is the inclusion of community-led intermediaries and community organisations. The community sector has long been a driving force behind CWB and without meaningful involvement of communities, there is a risk this legislation could default to a top down public sector led approach – which we understand is not the intention. To prevent this, we urge that the Bill, Statement, Guidance and Action Plans recognise the vital role, experience and expertise of communities; utilise existing learning and good practice; and embed communities as critical partners in delivering CWB.

Read our full submission on our website.  You can also read a number of our members’ submissions on the Scottish Parliament website.