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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What our policy work does
Represent co-operatives
We work with members to understand the issues affecting co-operatives and make sure their experiences shape our policy positions.
Influence government and policy makers
Working with partners and infrastructure bodies, we respond to consultations, submit evidence, engage with ministers and officials, and make the case for co-operative growth.
Campaign for better conditions
We challenge barriers facing co-operatives and promote policies that support member ownership, local wealth building and a fairer economy.
Share insight and action
We publish policy updates, briefings, research and member toolkits so co-operatives can understand issues and get involved.
Featured content
"Game-changing" £10 million Co‑operative Development Programme announced for England
Co-operatives UK welcomes bold new £10m package of support directly focused on co-operative development, as part of government's wider £210m initiative to revitalise high streets.
UK co-operatives deliver ‘good growth’ as new report highlights potential to scale
Two years after the government pledged to double the co-operative and mutual economy, new figures show the number of UK co-operatives is growing by just 0.41% a year. At that rate, doubling their number would take more than 150 years.
Community Right to Buy Fund announced by 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.
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.
Social Care Co‑operatives in the UK
Social Care Co-operatives in the UK is a report commissioned by Co-operatives UK and Cwmpas and produced by the Centre for Care, the Centre for Adult Social Care Research (CARE), and supported by IMPACT.
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.
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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UK co-operatives deliver ‘good growth’ as new report highlights potential to scale
Two years after the government pledged to double the co-operative and mutual economy, new figures show the number of UK co-operatives is growing by just 0.41% a year. At that rate, doubling their…
24th September 2026
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Care reform must end reliance on private companies warns Co-operatives UK and partners
Public money spent on social care should be reinvested in better care and fairer pay for workers, not extracted as private profit, campaigners have said following Andy Burnham's speech on social care…
30th July 2026
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Co-operatives UK joins Prime Minister's first business talks as movement sets out offer for good growth
Co-operatives UK joined Prime Minister Andy Burnham's first meeting with business representative organisations, as leaders from across the co-operative movement set out how co-operatives can help…
24th July 2026
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Co-operatives UK welcomes commitments to support farmer co-operatives in government’s Farming Roadmap 2050
Co-operatives UK has welcomed the commitment to supporting farmer co-operatives in government’s long-term plan for farming.
25th June 2026
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Community Right to Buy Fund announced by 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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UK co-operatives deliver ‘good growth’ as new report highlights potential to scale
Two years after the government pledged to double the co-operative and mutual economy, new figures show the number of UK co-operatives is growing by just 0.41% a year. At that rate, doubling their…
24th September 2026
Image
Care reform must end reliance on private companies warns Co-operatives UK and partners
Public money spent on social care should be reinvested in better care and fairer pay for workers, not extracted as private profit, campaigners have said following Andy Burnham's speech on social care…
30th July 2026
Image
Co-operatives UK joins Prime Minister's first business talks as movement sets out offer for good growth
Co-operatives UK joined Prime Minister Andy Burnham's first meeting with business representative organisations, as leaders from across the co-operative movement set out how co-operatives can help…
24th July 2026
Image
Co-operatives UK welcomes commitments to support farmer co-operatives in government’s Farming Roadmap 2050
Co-operatives UK has welcomed the commitment to supporting farmer co-operatives in government’s long-term plan for farming.
25th June 2026
Image
Community Right to Buy Fund announced by 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