Could a little noticed Bill passed in Holyrood this spring transform Scotland into a prosperous and powerfully local country?

Neil Mcinroy believes it can.

He's Global Community Wealth Building lead for the Democracy Collaborative – an American tank. But this well travelled, experienced Scot works across the world from his home in Argyll and is helping drive the CWB agenda here.

The new Act requires public bodies from councils and hospitals to quangos and central government to use their procurement clout and purchasing power to support local businesses, coops and individuals instead of boosting the profits of multinationals.

It's already transformed Cleveland, Ohio where the idea began and Preston, Lancashire. Neil was involved in both places.

The new Scottish legislation places a duty on all public bodies to ensure prosperity flows towards workers, families, and neighbourhoods by retaining and circulating wealth within communities.

Every council will be drawing up plans so it's vital local activists get up to speed now.

Links
Scottish Parliament briefing https://spice-spotlight.scot/2025/11/11/an-introduction-to-the-community-wealth-building-scotland-bill/

Lesley's National column https://www.thenational.scot/politics/25867601.holyrood-act-prove-revolutionary-empowering-communities/