Influencing policy for co-operatives
Co-operatives UK works with and for our members to influence policy, shape legislation and make the case for a stronger co-operative economy.
Our policy work helps ensure co-operatives of all sizes and sectors are understood, represented and supported by government, policy makers and partners. From securing funding for co-op development to challenging legislation that does not work for member-owned businesses, we champion the conditions co-operatives need to thrive.
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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.
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Recent news
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Community Right to Buy Fund announced today by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
Co-operatives UK has welcomed a new £61 million Community Right to Buy Fund to help communities purchase valued local assets and access the support needed to bring them into local ownership.
16th June 2026
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New research highlights potential of co‑operative solutions to social care crisis
Report examines the benefits of the co‑operative model of social care and recommends systemic changes for growing care co‑ops to fix the crisis‑hit sector.
28th April 2026
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Turn licence fee into members fee to re-set the BBC relationship with the public
The BBC licence fee should transition into a wider member-based fee encompassing the licence but with embedded governance and mutual features, turning the public into members of a mutually owned BBC,…
10th March 2026
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Chancellor launches once-in-a-generation consultation on co‑operative growth
At the Autumn 2025 Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that the Department for Business and Trade is calling for evidence on support for co-operatives.
26th November 2025