Build Back Better

 links to David M Howie BSc BA (Hons) PPE (open)  

Dear readers,

Following this morning’s meeting with Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector (GCVS), I feel as though there are a few things which require additional detailed analysation. I should first say to GCVS colleagues, thank you for a great, informative meeting. There were a lot of inspiring points raised by the third sector organisations present.

     I want to repeat Ian Bruce’s thinking that as a sector, there is a window of opportunity to engage with the administration of Glasgow city council to push a wellbeing economy post COVID-19. The current work, Derek Feeley and colleagues throughout Scotland, are doing with regards to social care improvement.  Provides an unprecedented opportunity to push the agenda of community care and community development. One of the topics areas which I am highly supportive of is the community hub. The funding model for the community hub(s) is a topic of interest for local communities. My recommendation is a one size fits all approach will not work. As a social innovation graduate, I cannot recommend enough, place and communities matter, what matters more though is local communities receive the support to develop locally.  

     Another the topic of personal interest, raised was digital inclusion. Research by Glasgow disability Alliance suggests 71 per cent of their membership have faced social isolation due to COVID-19.  These figures are disgraceful. They do provide, however, an opportunity to increase inclusion not only in digital choices but also in financial opportunities (FinTech). A possible funding model for digital inclusion would be to fund the program via universal basic income.

     Universal basic income has yet to have a pilot in Scotland. Which causes apprehension due to possible failure; however, international evidence shows credit plus models do work. If the Scottish Government was to supply the credit, Glasgow city council and third sector partners could provide the plus.

     The objective of build back better should be to build a wellbeing economy. This open letter asks colleagues in the third sector to consider what is said herein and consider including the recommendations in your manifesto’s for the upcoming Scottish Parliament elections.  

     Elected colleagues at Glasgow city council, I ask, that you also consider my recommendations and to put forward a motion at the next available full council meeting. To improve on city development plans, and to look at putting citizens wellbeing at the heart of economic recovery.     

Yours sincerely

David Howie.    

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