FAQ guidance: Can a local authority be a member of a co-operative?

Local and combined authorities are increasingly working in partnership with co-operatives and community-led enterprises.

Co-operatives UK has created a resource, with funding from Our Business Greater Manchester. It aims to help procurement officers, legal teams and councillors understand how co-operatives work so that more authorities can build on working in partnership with co-operatives by becoming members, and therefore, joint owners of them.

The FAQs in the document:

• Explain what a co-operative is (and isn’t)
• Clarify the legal powers local authorities have to join co-operatives
• Outline some distinctive financial tools used by co-ops, such as community shares and deferred shares
• Set out where transparency rules or disclosure requirements may apply
• Reassure authorities that are considering appointing a representative to sit on the board of a co-operative

We hope this resource encourages local authorities to play a more confident and active role in the co-operative economy.

Download the resource: Can a Local Authority be a member of a co-operative? FAQ guidance for local and combined authorities (pdf, 1.5MB). 

Find out more

Co-operatives UK

As the voice of the UK’s co-operative movement, we empower and support co-operative enterprise with specialised knowledge and expertise, to grow the co‑operative economy and create a fairer society. To join us or learn more about co‑operatives, community benefit societies, and how local authorities can get involved at www.uk.coop

Members of Co-operatives UK can also access support from our in-house advice team on [email protected]

Our Business GM

Our Business GM is Greater Manchester’s digital directory for purposeful enterprise – a space where you can connect with customers, collaborators, and like-minded local suppliers who prioritise impact over profit. As a member, you can showcase your products, services, and organisation, access tailored business support, and become part of a growing movement to build a fairer, more resilient local economy. It’s a place to grow your network, learn from others, and inspire change across our city-region.

Learn more: www.ourbusinessgm.co.uk or [email protected]

Anthony Collins Solicitors

A specialist law firm, and an accredited B Corp, with 50 years’ experience supporting the public sector. We blend legal excellence with social conscience, working in partnership with local authorities to help improve lives and communities. We are leading advisors to the UK co-op movement and specialise in co-operative innovation. Our values-driven approach ensures tailored, ethical legal solutions that make a lasting impact.

Learn more: www.anthonycollins.com or [email protected]

Wrigleys Solicitors

Wrigleys Solicitors is a specialist firm advising local authorities on public sector pension schemes, academy conversions, and community asset transfers. Recognised for providing pragmatic, commercial advice, we support councils in navigating complex legal frameworks with tailored, risk-based solutions.

Learn more: www.wrigleys.co.uk or [email protected]

Thanks to funding from Our Business GM

This resource was funded by Our Business GM, a co-operative created through Greater Manchester Combined Authority UKSPF funding to support community wealth building.

Our Business GM is Greater Manchester’s digital directory for purposeful enterprise – a space where consumers, public authorities and anchor institutions can connect with customers, collaborators, and like-minded local suppliers who prioritise impact over profit.

If you are interested in creating a similar co-op or directory in your area contact [email protected]