The thing that struck me about this news story is how its a microcosm of the changes in how community infrastructure is funded in the #uk. Previously this hall which hosted shows and community meetings, like many across this country, was funded through the profits of #cooperative trade, kept in the local community for the benefit of all. But now it's to be revamped using lottery funding - a fraction of the proceeds of gambling, returned to the community they are extracted from.
Its simultaneously true that so many great things can only continue because of this invaluable funding. But also its sad that the hollowing out of communities means that they are reliant on the "hope tax" just to keep going because, frankly, most people dont have enough to donate anymore and many companies dont even pretend to be interested in such philanthropy these days.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0rjrpynk7xo
#coops #cooperatives