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 new 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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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…
3 days 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.
23 days 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.
1 month ago
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Co-operatives UK urges ministers to run with MP’s proposals for ‘levelling up communities’
Co-operatives UK responds to MP Danny Kruger’s report for government on ‘Levelling up our communities’.
2 months ago
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Parliament asked to pass Green Shares Bill
The crucial ‘Second Reading’ of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies (Environmentally Sustainable Investment) Bill, or ‘Green Shares Bill’, will finally take place in Parliament on Friday…
2 months ago
Blog posts
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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…
5 days 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.
5 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…
6 months ago
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Policy Blog #16: Join our fight for co-ops in the pandemic
For six weeks we have been fighting for co-ops to get the help they need to survive this pandemic. This includes lobbying the UK government to include co-operative and community benefit societies in…
7 months ago
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Co-op Policy Blog #15: Win for housing co-ops in Budget
Budget 2020 includes a very welcome announcement for private rental housing co‑ops. They will no longer have to pay punitive taxes aimed at deterring the corrupt practice known as ‘property…
8 months ago
Resources
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)).
19 days 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
1 month ago
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1 Million Owners
Content by #1MillionOwners
Our #1MillionOwners campaign calls for government to invest in worker and employee ownership.
1 month 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’.
2 months ago
Community co‑operation in the Covid‑19 recovery
This paper responds to the Prime Minister’s call for proposals for how civil society, community groups and social enterprise can be supported to contribute to ‘levelling up’ and the COVID‑19…
4 months ago
You may also be interested in
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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…
3 days ago
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Pledge your support
Content by #1MillionOwners
Pledge your support for more employee and worker ownership in the UK.
10 days 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.
23 days ago
Image
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…
1 month ago
Image
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…
1 month ago