Orkney Community Wealth Building Delivery Plan Published for Consultation

The Orkney Community Planning Partnership has today published its Draft Orkney Community Wealth Building (CWB) Action Plan for public consultation and is inviting comments and submissions from individuals, community groups, businesses, and stakeholders across the county.

The Action Plan sets out a bold new approach to local economic development, aiming to ensure that the wealth generated in Orkney is retained and benefits the people who live here. It builds on Orkney’s long tradition of community action and local enterprise, outlining practical actions under five key pillars:

• Fair Employment and Just Labour Markets: Strategies to improve local employment opportunities, promote fair work practices, and reduce the gender pay gap.
• Spending: Initiatives to use public spending to deliver community benefits, support local businesses, and build resilient supply chains.
• Financial Power: Plans to increase local investment flows, harness public sector spending, and support community-led financial initiatives.
• Socially Just Use of Land and Property: Approaches to maximize community benefits from local land and property assets.
• Inclusive Ownership: Support for the development and growth of locally owned enterprises that generate community wealth. 

Councillor Kristopher Leask, chaired the working group that produced the draft action plan. He said: “After a period when Orkney’s population and economy has been growing, we now face a number of challenges. Many families in Orkney are struggling with the cost of living crisis and we now need a different approach to the economy, one that works for everyone while protecting our environment.”

Councillor Heather Woodbridge, Chair of the Orkney Community Planning Partnership, said: “This plan is about ensuring that wealth stays in Orkney and works for everyone. We want to hear from individuals, businesses, and community groups to help shape a final strategy that reflects our shared ambitions for fairer employment, stronger local supply chains, and sustainable growth.” 

Morven Brooks, is Vice Chair of the Partnership and Chief Executive of Voluntary Action Orkney. She said: “This draft plan is a significant step forward in how we work together as a community to tackle inequality, support local enterprise, and build a fairer, greener economy. We’re now looking to the people of Orkney to help shape the final version.” 

The plan builds on existing initiatives in Orkney, such as community-owned wind farms, cooperative business models, and sustainable procurement policies, to create a more resilient and equitable economy. It also highlights opportunities for anchor institutions—including the Council, NHS Orkney, and local businesses—to drive positive change.  

The delivery of community wealth building is part of the partnership’s Community Plan 2025/30. 

How to Respond: 

The Draft Delivery Plan can be accessed online at https://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/communityplanning/documents/draft-orkney-cwb-action-plan-30-april-2025.pdf 

Submissions can be sent by email to community.planning@orkney.gov.uk, by post to Orkney Community Planning Partnership, c/o OIC, School Place, Orkney KW15 1NY or online at https://tally.so/r/wMPjBE 

 The consultation is open until 10.00am, Monday 16 June 2025.

The Orkney Community Planning Partnership looks forward to hearing from a wide range of voices to ensure the final Delivery Plan reflects the needs, ambitions, and strengths of the Orkney community.