Building on Royal Greenwich’s strong history of co-operation, the council has gathered a set of recommendations aimed at empowering residents, businesses, and stakeholders to shape a sustainable and inclusive future.
The Commission chaired by Lord Steve Bassam of Brighton alongside Councillor Mariam Lolavar has been guided by a team of independent commissioners with expertise in co-operative thinking. They have identified three key priorities for positive change: community energy, co-operative development, and social care.
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Caption, left to right: Councillors Mariam Lolavar, John Fahy, Jit Ranabhat, Leader Anthony Okereke, Maisie Richards Cottell showcasing the Together for Greenwich strategy to incorporate co-operative values into social care, business and community energy.
Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Borough of Sanctuary said:
“Together for Greenwich is a powerful step towards building a more inclusive, fair, and sustainable future for our borough. By embracing co-operative values, we are putting our communities at the heart of decision-making, ensuring that everyone has a voice in shaping the services and opportunities that matter most. These recommendations are not just about policy; it’s about real change led by our residents, that strengthens our local economy and transforms the way we support one another.”
Councillor Anthony Okereke, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich said:
“Co-operatives have a proven track record of creating meaningful jobs, strengthening local economies, and putting people above profit.
“As part of our commitment to growing the co-operative movement in our borough, we are aligning with the government’s ambition to double the size of the UK’s co-operative economy. Through these recommendations, we are ensuring that economic growth benefits everyone, not just a select few.”
What is a co-operative?
A co-operative (co-op) is a business that is owned and run by the people who use it or work there. Instead of one person or a big company owning it, many people share ownership and make decisions together.
Everyone gets an equal say, and any money the co-op makes is shared or used to make things better for the group. Co-ops help the economy by creating jobs, keeping money in local communities, and giving people fair prices and good working conditions. They also help people work together, support local businesses, and make things fairer for everyone
