Influencing policy

Our policy work is crucial to ensuring co-ops, of all shapes and sizes, enjoy the best possible business environment. We do this by working for and alongside our members to influence government policy - at both a local and national level. The includes securing funding for co-op development, campaigning against punitive and unfair legislation, promoting the benefits of co-ops to policy-makers and much more.

Featured content

Scottish 2026 Holyrood Elections: Back our Call for a Co-operative Scotland

Scotland needs a stronger, fairer, more democratic economy. Co-operatives are already delivering it and with the right backing, can do even more. We called on all political parties to commit to growing co-operatives ahead of the 2026 Scottish…

Call for evidence on business support for co-operatives

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has consulted with co‑operatives, advisors and experts on how to best support the growth of our sector, which closed in February 2026. Co‑operatives UK led on the sector-wide response.

Law Commission: Shaping the future of co-operative law

Following the Law Commission’s landmark consultation on co-operative and community benefit society law - and significant member input - Co-operatives UK has submitted an extensive and detailed response.

Policy Plan for Co-operative Growth

The Department for Business and Trade invited the mutual sector to prepare bold plans for growth. In response, we have worked with members, partners and experts across the UK to create a practical, evidence-based plan to unlock the full potential of…

System reboot: Let co-operatives in

Everywhere we look, we find polices and processes created solely with companies in mind. This can create issues for co-operatives and community benefit societies. Now it is time to do something about it.

Retrofit co-operatives: A report for policy makers

Our Retrofit Co-operatives report shows how retrofit co-operatives are the missing link for the UK's ambitions to make 20 million homes energy efficient by 2035.

Work in partnership

Through partnership working with local government, business networks and community organisations we help transform local economies and communities. It's all about local wealth building, co-op development and community engagement.