Steve Brine set out his idea for an innovative new community funding scheme in a keynote speech on the Big Society last night.
The Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP was addressing members of the City of Winchester Trust at their AGM, held in the John Stripe Theatre at the University of Winchester, on Monday 23rd September.Steve was invited to address the meeting by current Trust Chairman Keith Leaman and new President Joy Carter.
Steve said: "The Winchester Penny is simple concept, which I am now actively discussing with the local business community. In short, customers are asked if they would like to round up their bill at the checkout to the nearest pound.
"Rounding up a receipt of, say, £4.80, up to £5 would therefore mean a 20p donation which I think could be well-used in a local community chest. That fund can be invested to ensure the money works hard and a group of trustees would hear bids from local registered charities to distribute it back into our big society. It's just the germ of an idea at the moment and there is a huge amount of work to do but it's something I'd very much like to explore."
In his speech, Steve also highlighted the vast number of charities and voluntary organisations across Winchester, including the Winchester Talking Newspaper, The Stroke Support Group, Basics Bank, Fixers, Blue Apple Theatre and Street Pastors, as well as Winchester Area Community Action (W.A.C.A).
The City of Winchester Trust has over 650 members, who work to preserve the distinctive and evolving character of the city, by seeking to influence the decisions of both City and County, Councils and the proposals of developers. Steve himself has been a member of the organisation for many years.
As well as hearing from Steve Brine, the event launched a new publication, 'Old Winchester New Thoughts', which features poems from youngsters at schools in the city. Members heard fantastic reading from pupils from Westgate, Kings, St Swithun's and Winchester College.
Steve added: "When the Trust asked me to speak at their AGM, not only as their MP but as a long-standing member, it was an easy invitation to accept. Looking at each and every individual in the audience as I spoke, I could see the Big Society right before me as so many Trust members themselves are active in our community in one or many ways. I was delighted also to be able to launch my idea of the Winchester Penny which I am passionate about - watch this space!"
More information...
You can read Steve's speech 'Winchester's Big Society' in full here (opens as a PDF)
Visit the City of Winchester Trust website