Spice credit systems are uniquely successful
in engaging the many in transforming communities and in contributing
towards the public and community service objectives in which they are
embedded. The credits utilise existing resources and ‘spare
capacity’ ensuring that they are low cost and sustainable in the
long term.
Spice credits haven’t emerged as an overnight success. We were
housed within the University of Wales for 5 years; as academics we were
frustrated by the prevalence of the disengaged and disempowered. As the
reports below demonstrate, during this period Spice has consistently
demonstrated successful engagement of the many and of the hard to
reach, both in ethnically diverse urban areas and deprived semi-rural
communities. Spice retains close links with the university and with the
support of the Young Foundation in East London is now developing these
applications for public services across the UK.
"The New Wealth of Time"
(New Economics Foundation,
2008)
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This report by the New Economics
Foundation (nef) explores the impact of time-based credit systems
across the UK. This report excellently outlines the ‘new
approaches to timebanking’ which we have pioneered in Wales. nef
refers to the Spice models as ‘person to agency’ and
‘agency to agency’ timebanking and include some excellent
case-studies of our work.
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"Spice Looking Back"
(University of Wales, 2009)
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PDF
Assessment of Spice’s impact
whilst part of the University. The report draws on evidence from
research conducted during 2003-08. Contains strong statistical evidence
of increased engagement, in every instance by a minimum of 100%. The
report also assesses the significant impact that this has had on
individuals, communities and on public services.
"Timebanking Sowing Seeds"
(Welsh Assembly Government,
2008)
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PDF
The origin of the Spice credit
systems is in timebanking, although it has evolved as a model which is
distinct from traditional timebanking. This report, produced by the
Welsh Assembly Government, is a narrative document that explains the
evolution of timebanking into Spice’s credit systems, as a
successful application for engagement of people in public and community
services.
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