The Social economy comprises a range of organisations including social enterprises, community enterprises, credit unions, charities and co-operatives.
Local government supports the development of social enterprises because of their potential to improve the economic, environmental and social well-being of communities. Specifically, social enterprises have the ability to:
- Enhance service provision in areas where private and public sector provision is lacking
- Provide employment opportunities for individuals experiencing labour market exclusion
- Provide vehicles for community participation
- Supply goods and services to local authorities
- Sustain regeneration activity
There are now increasing numbers of social economy organisations delivering services in areas such as social care, recycling and childcare.
The Association has been active in developing the Welsh Assembly Government's Social Economy Action Plan, and has been specifically involved in encouraging greater local authority procurement from social enterprises in conjunction with the Development Trusts Association. The Assembly’s Social Enterprise Strategy has now being published.
The Association also supports a community regeneration officer network which facilitates discussions and dissemination of good practice in this area.
For more information contact: Lowri Gwilym