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 Enterprise 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 Government’s Social Enterprise Action Plan for Wales was published in February 2009, some of its key actions include:
• a new organisation to champion social enterprise, Social Enterprise Coalition Cymru
• a new Ministerial Advisory Group on Social Enterprise
• a new Community Asset Transfer Fund for Wales
Related links and publications
• WAG Social Enterprise Action Plan for Wales 2009
• Wales Co-operative Centre
• Wales Council for Voluntary Action
• Development Trust Association Wales (DTA Wales)
For more information contact: Lowri Gwilym