Week 13

This week I started collecting information and literature on a sample of well-known UK-based community currencies to collate and categorise a sample of data that I could use, but I found it difficult to collect complete and realistic operational data on public platforms, and I was met with a lot of resistance here, so for the time being I have only come up with a summary of the characteristics of each community currency

The United Kingdom has a long history of community currencies, with numerous local currencies arising over time to foster local economic development and fortify communities. In this blog, we will discuss the current status and characteristics of several of the most well-known community currencies operating in the United Kingdom.

Brixton Pound
The Brixton Pound was introduced in 2009 and is the first local currency to be used alongside the pound sterling in the United Kingdom. It can be spent similarly to the pound sterling in over 200 Brixton, London businesses. The Brixton Pound seeks to promote local spending, aid independent businesses, and foster community cohesion.

Bristol Pound
The Bristol Pound, a local currency introduced in 2012, seeks to promote local economic development and sustainability. It is guaranteed by sterling and can be spent in Bristol businesses that accept it. The Bristol Pound also offers a mobile payment system, making transactions simpler for users.

Lewes Pound
The Lewes Pound is a local currency introduced in 2008 and used in the East Sussex municipality of Lewes. It is not guaranteed by sterling but can be exchanged at a number of local businesses for sterling. The Lewes Pound seeks to promote local spending and support local businesses.

British Pound
The Totnes Pound is a local currency recognised by over 70 businesses in the Devon town of Totnes, which was introduced in 2007. It is not guaranteed by sterling but can be exchanged at a number of local businesses for sterling. The Totnes Pound seeks to promote local spending and support local businesses.

Sterling Pound
The Scottish Pound is a proposed local currency that would be implemented in a number of Scottish municipalities. It is presently in the planning stages, with the objective of fostering local economic growth and constructing resilient communities.

These local currencies seek to promote local economic growth, support independent businesses, and foster community cohesion. They provide an alternative to conventional currency systems and enable communities to take charge of their economic destinies.