Welcome to the Stroud Pound website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s the point of the Stroud pound?

The Stroud local currency (‘Stroud Pounds’) is an initiative to support and stimulate the local economy.  It has been designed to benefit consumers, traders, businesses and local charities.   Lots more frequently asked questions about the Stroud pound are answered here.

 

District Councillor  Philip Booth has said:

 

            "The Stroud Pound is all about strengthening our local economy, building new relationships and making us think about how we spend our money.

 

            I love the reaction to people seeing the beautiful Stroud notes. It gets people talking. After all listening and conversing is part of how change happens.

 

            Stroud Pounds aren't the whole answer but are part of the shift that needs to happen to relocalise and build resilience for our future."

 

How do I join and where can I spend Stroud Pounds?

 

This website contains separate information and downloadable joining forms for consumers/shoppers, traders/businesses and charities.   Forms can be filled in and returned to the address below together with the correct membership payment and any request for Stroud Pounds.

 

Alternatively, you can join the scheme in person and exchange Sterling Pounds for Stroud Pounds at the following outlets and exchange points in Stonehouse, Minchinhampton, Nailsworth and Stroud.

 

A list of participating traders, businesses and services are here.

 

Who runs the scheme?

 

Stroud Pound Co-op Ltd. has been set up as a viable not-for-profit enterprise that will run and administer the scheme on behalf of its members. The project is an initiative of the Transition Stroud Lifestyles and Livelihoods Group (www.transitionstroud.org)  It is run entirely by volunteers.

 

The scheme is based on the Chiemgauer—a highly successful local currency in Germany (www.chiemgauer.eu)  The Stroud Pound has the support of Stroud Town Council.

 

 

QUESTION OF THE WEEK (Lots more questions here):

What's so good about spending locally?

 

Many local businesses are in direct competition with national chains, the internet and large suburban shopping centres.  When 'big business' wins, another local shop closes or a small business goes bankrupt.  

 

 

 

 Stroud  Pound  Co-op  Ltd., The  Exchange, Brick  Row, Stroud, GL5 1DF

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT - DEMURRAGE!

 

 

                             £10 Stroud Pound (Laurie Lee)...more

What is demurrage?

Demurrage refers to a reduction over time in the value of a currency.  It is a sort of negative interest.

 

How does demurrage apply to Stroud Pounds?

Stroud Pounds lose 3% of their value every six months.  The first time this will happen will be on April 1st 2010 and then again on October 1st 2010 and April 5th 2011.

 

Press release here.   More information here

The