Community benefits of co-operation
We are delighted that so many local people joined and will share directly in the benefits of the wind farm.Andrew King, Chair, Baywind
Meeting community needs
Community co-operatives are set up to give communities shared ownership and control of local services. This might be a village store, post office, community centre, wind farm or biomass plant. The co-operative runs the service for the community’s needs.
Economic and skills development
Community co-operatives are often set up when no external investors are prepared to take on a community service, perhaps because it is seen as too small or too remote. By joining forces, community members can develop local assets sustainably by pooling investment and resources. In the process, co-operative members can build valuable business and social skills, such as self-governance and social co-operation.
Income generation
The use of community-owned assets such as shops or power plants can generate an income after costs are covered. This income can be invested back into the community through local projects or distributed amongst the members.