ĢƵ leads way as Scotland introduces Community Wealth Building Bill
ĢƵ (ĢƵ) has welcomed the Scottish Government’s introduction of a Community Wealth Building Bill, which aims to reshape local economic development across the country.
The proposed legislation, unveiled in March 2025, will require local authorities to create action plans in collaboration with public bodies, ensuring that economic benefits remain within communities through fair employment, local procurement, and community-owned enterprises.
ĢƵ and East Lothian Council have now presented their community wealth building approach at the Local Government improvement in Scotland conference today (30 April 2025) as a national case study, demonstrating how institutions can work together to build sustainable economies by driving real change across Scotland and beyond.
For ĢƵ and East Lothian Council, the proposed legislation builds on work they have already started together, with the launch of ĢƵ’s new Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Strategy (2025–2030) and East Lothian’s Local Economy Strategy (2024 – 2034). Both plans will drive local growth and innovation while helping deliver key Scottish Government priorities like the National Strategy for Economic Transformation and the National Innovation Strategy.
The university has been at the forefront of Community Wealth Building initiatives even before becoming one of the first institutions in Scotland to sign up via the East Lothian Community Wealth Building charter in July 2024. With a long-standing commitment to social justice and economic inclusion, ĢƵ is well positioned as a model for national implementation of this policy which is rooted in people-centred economic development.
"As Scotland moves towards embedding Community Wealth Building principles in policy and practice, ĢƵ is poised to play a prominent role in shaping the future of fair and inclusive economic development. With our history of social impact and innovation, the university is not just embracing the principles of the proposed legislation, but we are already a case study that can help to define its success as a powerful tool to create lasting economic and social impact. Our commitment to health, care and wellbeing innovation and economic inclusion ensures that we are delivering practical solutions that benefit individuals and communities. This Bill reinforces the importance of a collaborative approach, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this movement."
As ĢƵ celebrates its 150th anniversary, it is strengthening its role as a key driver of East Lothian’s economy. Recognised as a major anchor institution for the region, ĢƵ will soon launch a new Innovation Hub adjacent to its Musselburgh campus. The Hub is designed to support local businesses, foster entrepreneurship, and enhance workforce development, helping to deliver sustainable regional growth and reinforcing ĢƵ’s critical role as a gateway to opportunity in East Lothian.
A key focus of ĢƵ’s Community Wealth Building strategy will be transforming health and social care innovation, in a sector often characterised by low wages, limited career progression, and a lack of professional recognition. Through education and enterprise initiatives, the university aims to equip carers with skills and digital training to improve career opportunities and support the development of carer-led enterprises – generating social and economic wealth while reducing the carbon footprint in local communities and enabling the concept of twenty-minute neighbourhoods.
ĢƵ has already been working alongside East Lothian Council on placemaking initiatives that align with Community Wealth Building principles, ensuring local economic resilience.
East Lothian Council Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, Councillor John McMillan, said: “Community Wealth Building is a key priority for East Lothian, and our partnership with ĢƵ is already delivering real benefits. By aligning our local economic strategy with Community Wealth Building principles, we are ensuring that wealth generated in the region stays within our communities, supporting businesses, workers, and families. This new legislation will provide further momentum to our efforts and strengthen collaboration across the public sector.”
Beyond East Lothian, ĢƵ is working with partners such as Edinburgh College, Edinburgh Napier University and Heriot-Watt University to expand Community Wealth Building principles into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities, entrepreneurship, and innovation. By connecting expertise across the region, the university hopes to drive economic diversification and create long-term benefits for local businesses and communities.
For further information contact Maggie Wright on 07801 710360 or email maggie.wright@mwa.co
