Social Enterprise could save West Midlands public services

HUNDREDS of public sector amenities across the West Midlands could be saved from closure if Social Enterprises were allowed to take them over, the sector has said.

Social Enterprise West Midlands (SEWM) said scores of libraries, care homes and leisure facilities were under threat as a result of local authority cutbacks but many could still be viable if they were run for a social or environmental purpose.

Kevin Maton, Network Director for SEWM, said the sector had plenty of existing organisations with the necessary skills, structure and innovation to deliver these services.

Speaking on Social Enterprise Day, Mr Maton said local authorities and central government should explore the social enterprise option bore wielding the axe.

He cited Halo Leisure in Herefordshire as a prime example of how the system could work. Halo took over sports and leisure facilities in the county when the county council was no longer able to prioritise funding for the services.

“Social enterprises, by their very nature, are ideally suited to serve the community so why not widen their focus to take on public services that may fall victim of the public sector spending cuts,” he said.

“Their governance structures ensure they are focused on quality, delivery and meeting the needs of the local area and, more often than not, they will use innovative thinking to actually improve the way these organisations are run.

“All of the community libraries in Birmingham are under review for example so why not give social enterprises the chance to make a difference. The same could be said about care homes, youth projects and museums…the list is endless.”

He said the other advantage was that existing jobs would be secured.

Mr Maton said with the growth of the Social Enterprise sector there was now a pressing need to find the right skills levels in order to meet demand, while funding was also critical.

“There is a continuing need to provide greater technical skill development and funding is often necessary in the initial start-up phase or to help with expansion and provision,” he said.

“We still have a big job to do in raising the profile of what social enterprises can offer and also ensure the right business support is available to help them flourish.”

The body has launched a new membership offer to further connect with a broad range of organisations and individuals wanting to know more about the set up.

The new membership package, which will officially launch before the end of the year, will provide a range of negotiated offers, discounted listing on the BuySe.co.uk directory, potential contract opportunities and access to member only networking and development events.

“The sector in the West Midlands needs a strong membership organisation that can represent it, lobby Government for it, promote it and build capacity in terms of support,” said Mr Maton.

For further information people should visit www.socialenterprisewm.org.uk