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
Government to appoint new "champion" for UK's co-operative and mutual sector
Plans for a new champion for mutuals and co-operatives were unveiled in a speech by the Economic Secretary to the Treasury at Co-op Congress in Birmingham.
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
Co-operatives UK welcomes commitments to support farmer co-operatives in government’s Farming Roadmap 2050
Community Right to Buy Fund announced by Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government
New research highlights potential of co‑operative solutions to social care crisis
Turn licence fee into members fee to re-set the BBC relationship with the public