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.
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Covid-19 government support for business
The UK and devolved governments have introduced measures to help businesses cope with the disruption caused by Covid‑19, including grants, tax reliefs and credit facilities.
Covid-19 fighting for co‑ops
The Covid‑19 pandemic has placed extraordinary pressure on co‑op enterprise. That pressure has varied from industry to industry, from business to business. We’ve been working incredibly hard to ensure co‑ops are included in all immediate government…
We are the rebuilders
Co-ops are pivotal to helping our communities and country build back better from Covid-19. In this short paper we make four co-op ‘offers’ to everyone working for a more sustainable and just future.
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.
#1MillionOwners
Content by #1MillionOwners
Join our campaign and pledge your support to create one million employee and worker owners in the UK by 2030.
Content by #1MillionOwners
Recent news
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Calls to remove obstacles to government backed loans for co-ops and social enterprise
Co-operatives UK, along with 10 other social enterprise support organisations have written to Minister John Glen (Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister) to request a meeting to discuss…
7 days ago
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Amend legislation to remove barriers for mutual banking - says MP Stella Creasy
Stella Creasy MP has tabled an amendment to the Financial Services Bill, aimed at making it easier to establish a mutual bank in the UK.
1 month ago
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Our analysis of the Spending Review 2020
The extent to which new funding announced in the 2020 Spending Review ends up boosting co-op development, largely depends on how much freedom local leaders and communities will have to direct…
1 month ago
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Co-ops urged to access Covid-19 grants, advice and support
As co-ops across UK enter tougher and potentially perilous conditions, we urge them to take steps to manage risks and be proactive in seeking grant aid and advice.
2 months ago
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Insolvency reforms could help co-ops survive crisis
Government has introduced new insolvency legislation to give businesses in distress more opportunities to turn things around.
3 months ago
Blog posts
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Policy Blog #20: A New Hope
At the rate we’re going, co-ops will be a powerful democratising force in the economy around the year 2120. But we can't wait 100 years. To spread the benefits of economic democracy quickly and at…
1 month ago
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We support MP's amendment for mutual banks
Stella Creasy MP has tabled an amendment to the Financial Services Bill, aimed at making it easier to establish a mutual bank in the UK. Government should accept this amendment, because local mutual…
1 month ago
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Co-op Policy Blog #19: Boost co-op development now!
Tomorrow (25 November) the Chancellor will publish UK government’s spending plans for 2021-22. The stakes could not be higher. Job losses are at their highest since 2009, millions face poverty and…
2 months ago
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Co-op Policy Blog #18: Offers you can’t refuse
Co-operatives UK has published four ‘offers’ for building back better, aimed at a government worried about jobs and everyone working for a more just and sustainable future.
7 months ago
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Co-op Policy Blog #17: Survive, thrive and multiply
It looks like we’re heading into a deep economic and social crisis. Many livelihoods and businesses will be destroyed. But business as usual was already an unfolding catastrophe; for the planet if not…
8 months ago
Resources
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Harnessing mutuality
Policy solutions for mutuals: proposals and impact
1 month ago
Parliamentary briefing - February 2014
A briefing to provide MPs and Peers with a concise overview of the legislative reforms for co-operatives making their way through Parliament (Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act (2014)).
2 months ago
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Revive and thrive: Why co‑ops are pivotal to a fairer, stronger Scotland
This report highlights the success of co‑ops in helping Scots weather the Covid‑19 storm and makes six recommendations for Scottish government to act on, now and after the next election
3 months ago
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1 Million Owners
Content by #1MillionOwners
Our #1MillionOwners campaign calls for government to invest in worker and employee ownership.
3 months ago
Green Shares Bill: our position
This paper sets out Co-operatives UK’s position in response to the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies (Environmentally Sustainable Investment) Bill, also known as the ‘Green Shares Bill’.
4 months ago
You may also be interested in
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Calls to remove obstacles to government backed loans for co-ops and social enterprise
Co-operatives UK, along with 10 other social enterprise support organisations have written to Minister John Glen (Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister) to request a meeting to discuss…
7 days ago
Image
Amend legislation to remove barriers for mutual banking - says MP Stella Creasy
Stella Creasy MP has tabled an amendment to the Financial Services Bill, aimed at making it easier to establish a mutual bank in the UK.
1 month ago
Image
Our analysis of the Spending Review 2020
The extent to which new funding announced in the 2020 Spending Review ends up boosting co-op development, largely depends on how much freedom local leaders and communities will have to direct…
1 month ago
Image
Pledge your support
Content by #1MillionOwners
Pledge your support for more employee and worker ownership in the UK.
2 months ago
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Co-ops urged to access Covid-19 grants, advice and support
As co-ops across UK enter tougher and potentially perilous conditions, we urge them to take steps to manage risks and be proactive in seeking grant aid and advice.
2 months ago