MHCLG is working across Government to deliver our manifesto commitment to double the size of the co-operative and mutuals sector, following the commitment to establish a Co-operatives Development Unit in the Pride in Place Strategy.

The Government strongly supports the benefits co-operatives, producer organisations and mutuals can bring in buying inputs, coordinating production, and selling outputs, and recognises the important role they play in promoting sustainable farming and supporting rural communities, as set out in the recently published Farming Roadmap. The Government will ensure supply chains work fairly, including supporting co-operatives so farmers strengthen their bargaining power. Defra is also developing the new Farmer Collaboration Fund to support farmers working together to become more profitable, resilient and environmentally sustainable.

The government is keen to ensure that the law governing co-operatives and community benefit societies is clear and supports their growth. That is why we are funding the Law Commission’s independent review of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.

The Law Commission review is considering ways to update and modernise the legislation for co-operatives and community benefit societies - including charitable community benefit societies - ensuring that it fits the nature and needs of these societies as well as ensuring that regulation is proportionate and effective.

HM Treasury is the sponsoring department for the review and maintains an ongoing dialogue with the Law Commission on its progress, while respecting the Commission's independence.

The Law Commission expects to publish their report and a draft bill later in 2026. Once published, the government will then carefully consider its recommendations to understand whether reform of the legislation is needed to ensure these businesses are supported to grow and succeed into the future.

The Government recognises the important contribution that co-operatives and mutuals make to local communities, a diverse business sector, and a resilient UK economy. In line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the sector, the Government is taking forward a range of measures to support its growth.

The Government keeps all spending decisions under review in the usual way. Current support includes funding the Law Commission’s independent review of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, which is expected to report in 2026, and a package of measures announced at Mansion House 2024 to support the mutuals sector. This includes engagement with regulators, including asking the PRA and FCA to report on the mutuals landscape, and continued work across Government, including the Department for Business and Trade’s recent call for evidence on business support for co-operatives and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s co-operative development unit.

At the Co-op Congress on 12 June, the Government announced its intention to appoint a Mutuals Champion, who will raise the profile of the sector, represent its interests, and strengthen dialogue between the sector and the Government. This will continue to put momentum behind the Government’s agenda to support the growth of the co-operatives and mutuals sector.

Together, these actions will help support the growth of the mutual and co-operative sectors across the UK.

The Government recognises the contribution mutuals and co-operatives make to local communities, to a diverse business sector and a resilient UK economy. In line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the mutual and co-operative sectors, HM Treasury is taking steps to support growth of the sector nationwide.

At the Co-op Congress on 12 June, the Government announced its intention to appoint a Mutuals Champion, who will raise the profile of the sector, represent its interests, and strengthen dialogue between the sector and the Government. HM Treasury is currently considering the detailed criteria for appointment and finalising the scope of the role, including how the Champion will engage with Ministers and officials. The Champion will continue to put momentum behind the Government’s agenda to support the growth of the mutual and co-operative sectors.

The Government recognises that mutuals and co-operatives face a range of barriers to growth and continues to engage closely with the sector to understand these issues. This includes funding the Law Commission’s independent review of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, which is exploring options to modernise and update the legislative framework. The review is expected to report in 2026 and the Government will carefully consider its findings before responding.

As part of this at Mansion House 2024 the Chancellor set out a package of measures to support the growth of the mutual and co-operative sectors. This included welcoming the establishment of the industry-led Mutuals and Co-operative Business Council and asking the PRA and FCA to produce a report on the mutuals landscape. These reports were published in December 2025, and covered co-operatives through the FCA’s role as registering authority.

HM Treasury works with other Government departments on support for mutuals and co-operatives. This includes on the Department for Business and Trade’s call for evidence on business support for co-operatives and non-financial mutuals, which was launched at Budget 2025 and closed in February 2026. In addition, the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government has announced the launch of a co-operative development unit as part of its Pride in Place Strategy.

The government has made clear its strong commitment to support the mutual and co-operative sectors and help it grow to drive innovation and economic growth across the country. Legislation to modernise the Building Societies Act will be laid before summer recess.

The mutual and co-operative sector produced a combined annual income of £179.2 billion in 2025. ​The sector is comprised of 9,612 independent societies, employing over 1.3 million people. The Government will continue to work in partnership with the sector to support its long-term growth.

The Government recognises the contribution mutuals and co-operatives make to local communities, to a diverse business sector and a resilient UK economy. In line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the mutual and co-operative sectors, HM Treasury is taking steps to support growth of the sector nationwide.

At the Co-op Congress on 12 June, the Government announced its intention to appoint a Mutuals Champion, who will raise the profile of the sector, represent its interests, and strengthen dialogue between the sector and the Government. HM Treasury is currently considering the detailed criteria for appointment and finalising the scope of the role, including how the Champion will engage with Ministers and officials. The Champion will continue to put momentum behind the Government’s agenda to support the growth of the mutual and co-operative sectors.

The Government recognises that mutuals and co-operatives face a range of barriers to growth and continues to engage closely with the sector to understand these issues. This includes funding the Law Commission’s independent review of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, which is exploring options to modernise and update the legislative framework. The review is expected to report in 2026 and the Government will carefully consider its findings before responding.

As part of this at Mansion House 2024 the Chancellor set out a package of measures to support the growth of the mutual and co-operative sectors. This included welcoming the establishment of the industry-led Mutuals and Co-operative Business Council and asking the PRA and FCA to produce a report on the mutuals landscape. These reports were published in December 2025, and covered co-operatives through the FCA’s role as registering authority.

HM Treasury works with other Government departments on support for mutuals and co-operatives. This includes on the Department for Business and Trade’s call for evidence on business support for co-operatives and non-financial mutuals, which was launched at Budget 2025 and closed in February 2026. In addition, the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government has announced the launch of a co-operative development unit as part of its Pride in Place Strategy.

The government has made clear its strong commitment to support the mutual and co-operative sectors and help it grow to drive innovation and economic growth across the country. Legislation to modernise the Building Societies Act will be laid before summer recess.

The mutual and co-operative sector produced a combined annual income of £179.2 billion in 2025. ​The sector is comprised of 9,612 independent societies, employing over 1.3 million people. The Government will continue to work in partnership with the sector to support its long-term growth.

The Government recognises the contribution mutuals and co-operatives make to local communities, to a diverse business sector and a resilient UK economy. In line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the mutual and co-operative sectors, HM Treasury is taking steps to support growth of the sector nationwide.

At the Co-op Congress on 12 June, the Government announced its intention to appoint a Mutuals Champion, who will raise the profile of the sector, represent its interests, and strengthen dialogue between the sector and the Government. HM Treasury is currently considering the detailed criteria for appointment and finalising the scope of the role, including how the Champion will engage with Ministers and officials. The Champion will continue to put momentum behind the Government’s agenda to support the growth of the mutual and co-operative sectors.

The Government recognises that mutuals and co-operatives face a range of barriers to growth and continues to engage closely with the sector to understand these issues. This includes funding the Law Commission’s independent review of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, which is exploring options to modernise and update the legislative framework. The review is expected to report in 2026 and the Government will carefully consider its findings before responding.

As part of this at Mansion House 2024 the Chancellor set out a package of measures to support the growth of the mutual and co-operative sectors. This included welcoming the establishment of the industry-led Mutuals and Co-operative Business Council and asking the PRA and FCA to produce a report on the mutuals landscape. These reports were published in December 2025, and covered co-operatives through the FCA’s role as registering authority.

HM Treasury works with other Government departments on support for mutuals and co-operatives. This includes on the Department for Business and Trade’s call for evidence on business support for co-operatives and non-financial mutuals, which was launched at Budget 2025 and closed in February 2026. In addition, the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government has announced the launch of a co-operative development unit as part of its Pride in Place Strategy.

The government has made clear its strong commitment to support the mutual and co-operative sectors and help it grow to drive innovation and economic growth across the country. Legislation to modernise the Building Societies Act will be laid before summer recess.

The mutual and co-operative sector produced a combined annual income of £179.2 billion in 2025. ​The sector is comprised of 9,612 independent societies, employing over 1.3 million people. The Government will continue to work in partnership with the sector to support its long-term growth.

The government recognises the contribution the mutual and co-operative sectors make to local communities, to a diverse business sector and a resilient UK economy. In line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the co-operatives and mutuals sector, HM Treasury is taking steps to support their growth nationwide, including in Basildon, Thurrock and Essex, including announcing on 12 June that a Mutuals and Cooperatives Champion will be appointed.

The mutual and cooperatives model supports community wealth building, regional development and inclusive growth, with many organisations rooted in local areas across the UK. These businesses contribute to employment, access to services, and the vitality of local economies. HM Treasury has not made a specific assessment of the contribution of mutuals and co-operatives to economic growth at the level of individual local areas.

The Government does not hold centrally disaggregated data on the number of mutual and co-operative organisations operating in specific local areas such as Basildon, Thurrock or Essex. Mutual societies are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority rather than Companies House, and while data is available at a national level, it is not routinely broken down by local authority area.

The Government recognises the contribution mutuals and co-operatives make to local communities, to a diverse business sector and a resilient UK economy. In line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the mutual and co-operative sectors, HM Treasury is taking steps to support growth of the sector nationwide.

At the Co-op Congress on 12 June, the Government announced its intention to appoint a Mutuals Champion, who will raise the profile of the sector, represent its interests, and strengthen dialogue between the sector and the Government. HM Treasury is currently considering the detailed criteria for appointment and finalising the scope of the role, including how the Champion will engage with Ministers and officials. The Champion will continue to put momentum behind the Government’s agenda to support the growth of the mutual and co-operative sectors.

The Government recognises that mutuals and co-operatives face a range of barriers to growth and continues to engage closely with the sector to understand these issues. This includes funding the Law Commission’s independent review of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, which is exploring options to modernise and update the legislative framework. The review is expected to report in 2026 and the Government will carefully consider its findings before responding.

As part of this at Mansion House 2024 the Chancellor set out a package of measures to support the growth of the mutual and co-operative sectors. This included welcoming the establishment of the industry-led Mutuals and Co-operative Business Council and asking the PRA and FCA to produce a report on the mutuals landscape. These reports were published in December 2025, and covered co-operatives through the FCA’s role as registering authority.

HM Treasury works with other Government departments on support for mutuals and co-operatives. This includes on the Department for Business and Trade’s call for evidence on business support for co-operatives and non-financial mutuals, which was launched at Budget 2025 and closed in February 2026. In addition, the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government has announced the launch of a co-operative development unit as part of its Pride in Place Strategy.

The government has made clear its strong commitment to support the mutual and co-operative sectors and help it grow to drive innovation and economic growth across the country. Legislation to modernise the Building Societies Act will be laid before summer recess.

The mutual and co-operative sector produced a combined annual income of £179.2 billion in 2025. ​The sector is comprised of 9,612 independent societies, employing over 1.3 million people. The Government will continue to work in partnership with the sector to support its long-term growth.

The Government recognises the contribution mutuals and co-operatives make to local communities, to a diverse business sector and a resilient UK economy. In line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the mutual and co-operative sectors, HM Treasury is taking steps to support growth of the sector nationwide.

At the Co-op Congress on 12 June, the Government announced its intention to appoint a Mutuals Champion, who will raise the profile of the sector, represent its interests, and strengthen dialogue between the sector and the Government. HM Treasury is currently considering the detailed criteria for appointment and finalising the scope of the role, including how the Champion will engage with Ministers and officials. The Champion will continue to put momentum behind the Government’s agenda to support the growth of the mutual and co-operative sectors.

The Government recognises that mutuals and co-operatives face a range of barriers to growth and continues to engage closely with the sector to understand these issues. This includes funding the Law Commission’s independent review of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, which is exploring options to modernise and update the legislative framework. The review is expected to report in 2026 and the Government will carefully consider its findings before responding.

As part of this at Mansion House 2024 the Chancellor set out a package of measures to support the growth of the mutual and co-operative sectors. This included welcoming the establishment of the industry-led Mutuals and Co-operative Business Council and asking the PRA and FCA to produce a report on the mutuals landscape. These reports were published in December 2025, and covered co-operatives through the FCA’s role as registering authority.

HM Treasury works with other Government departments on support for mutuals and co-operatives. This includes on the Department for Business and Trade’s call for evidence on business support for co-operatives and non-financial mutuals, which was launched at Budget 2025 and closed in February 2026. In addition, the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government has announced the launch of a co-operative development unit as part of its Pride in Place Strategy.

The government has made clear its strong commitment to support the mutual and co-operative sectors and help it grow to drive innovation and economic growth across the country. Legislation to modernise the Building Societies Act will be laid before summer recess.

The mutual and co-operative sector produced a combined annual income of £179.2 billion in 2025. ​The sector is comprised of 9,612 independent societies, employing over 1.3 million people. The Government will continue to work in partnership with the sector to support its long-term growth.

The Government recognises the contribution mutuals and co-operatives make to local communities, to a diverse business sector and a resilient UK economy. In line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the mutual and co-operative sectors, HM Treasury is taking steps to support growth of the sector nationwide.

At the Co-op Congress on 12 June, the Government announced its intention to appoint a Mutuals Champion, who will raise the profile of the sector, represent its interests, and strengthen dialogue between the sector and the Government. HM Treasury is currently considering the detailed criteria for appointment and finalising the scope of the role, including how the Champion will engage with Ministers and officials. The Champion will continue to put momentum behind the Government’s agenda to support the growth of the mutual and co-operative sectors.

The Government recognises that mutuals and co-operatives face a range of barriers to growth and continues to engage closely with the sector to understand these issues. This includes funding the Law Commission’s independent review of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, which is exploring options to modernise and update the legislative framework. The review is expected to report in 2026 and the Government will carefully consider its findings before responding.

As part of this at Mansion House 2024 the Chancellor set out a package of measures to support the growth of the mutual and co-operative sectors. This included welcoming the establishment of the industry-led Mutuals and Co-operative Business Council and asking the PRA and FCA to produce a report on the mutuals landscape. These reports were published in December 2025, and covered co-operatives through the FCA’s role as registering authority.

HM Treasury works with other Government departments on support for mutuals and co-operatives. This includes on the Department for Business and Trade’s call for evidence on business support for co-operatives and non-financial mutuals, which was launched at Budget 2025 and closed in February 2026. In addition, the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government has announced the launch of a co-operative development unit as part of its Pride in Place Strategy.

The government has made clear its strong commitment to support the mutual and co-operative sectors and help it grow to drive innovation and economic growth across the country. Legislation to modernise the Building Societies Act will be laid before summer recess.

The mutual and co-operative sector produced a combined annual income of £179.2 billion in 2025. ​The sector is comprised of 9,612 independent societies, employing over 1.3 million people. The Government will continue to work in partnership with the sector to support its long-term growth.

The Government recognises the contribution mutuals and co-operatives make to local communities, to a diverse business sector and a resilient UK economy. In line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the mutual and co-operative sectors, HM Treasury is taking steps to support growth of the sector nationwide.

At the Co-op Congress on 12 June, the Government announced its intention to appoint a Mutuals Champion, who will raise the profile of the sector, represent its interests, and strengthen dialogue between the sector and the Government. HM Treasury is currently considering the detailed criteria for appointment and finalising the scope of the role, including how the Champion will engage with Ministers and officials. The Champion will continue to put momentum behind the Government’s agenda to support the growth of the mutual and co-operative sectors.

The Government recognises that mutuals and co-operatives face a range of barriers to growth and continues to engage closely with the sector to understand these issues. This includes funding the Law Commission’s independent review of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, which is exploring options to modernise and update the legislative framework. The review is expected to report in 2026 and the Government will carefully consider its findings before responding.

As part of this at Mansion House 2024 the Chancellor set out a package of measures to support the growth of the mutual and co-operative sectors. This included welcoming the establishment of the industry-led Mutuals and Co-operative Business Council and asking the PRA and FCA to produce a report on the mutuals landscape. These reports were published in December 2025, and covered co-operatives through the FCA’s role as registering authority.

HM Treasury works with other Government departments on support for mutuals and co-operatives. This includes on the Department for Business and Trade’s call for evidence on business support for co-operatives and non-financial mutuals, which was launched at Budget 2025 and closed in February 2026. In addition, the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government has announced the launch of a co-operative development unit as part of its Pride in Place Strategy.

The government has made clear its strong commitment to support the mutual and co-operative sectors and help it grow to drive innovation and economic growth across the country. Legislation to modernise the Building Societies Act will be laid before summer recess.

The mutual and co-operative sector produced a combined annual income of £179.2 billion in 2025. ​The sector is comprised of 9,612 independent societies, employing over 1.3 million people. The Government will continue to work in partnership with the sector to support its long-term growth.

The Government recognises the contribution mutuals and co-operatives make to local communities, to a diverse business sector and a resilient UK economy. In line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the mutual and co-operative sectors, HM Treasury is taking steps to support growth of the sector nationwide.

At the Co-op Congress on 12 June, the Government announced its intention to appoint a Mutuals Champion, who will raise the profile of the sector, represent its interests, and strengthen dialogue between the sector and the Government. HM Treasury is currently considering the detailed criteria for appointment and finalising the scope of the role, including how the Champion will engage with Ministers and officials. The Champion will continue to put momentum behind the Government’s agenda to support the growth of the mutual and co-operative sectors.

The Government recognises that mutuals and co-operatives face a range of barriers to growth and continues to engage closely with the sector to understand these issues. This includes funding the Law Commission’s independent review of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, which is exploring options to modernise and update the legislative framework. The review is expected to report in 2026 and the Government will carefully consider its findings before responding.

As part of this at Mansion House 2024 the Chancellor set out a package of measures to support the growth of the mutual and co-operative sectors. This included welcoming the establishment of the industry-led Mutuals and Co-operative Business Council and asking the PRA and FCA to produce a report on the mutuals landscape. These reports were published in December 2025, and covered co-operatives through the FCA’s role as registering authority.

HM Treasury works with other Government departments on support for mutuals and co-operatives. This includes on the Department for Business and Trade’s call for evidence on business support for co-operatives and non-financial mutuals, which was launched at Budget 2025 and closed in February 2026. In addition, the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government has announced the launch of a co-operative development unit as part of its Pride in Place Strategy.

The government has made clear its strong commitment to support the mutual and co-operative sectors and help it grow to drive innovation and economic growth across the country. Legislation to modernise the Building Societies Act will be laid before summer recess.

The mutual and co-operative sector produced a combined annual income of £179.2 billion in 2025. ​The sector is comprised of 9,612 independent societies, employing over 1.3 million people. The Government will continue to work in partnership with the sector to support its long-term growth.

The government recognises the contribution the mutual and co-operative sectors make to local communities, to a diverse business sector and a resilient UK economy. In line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the co-operatives and mutuals sector, HM Treasury is taking steps to support their growth nationwide, including in Basildon, Thurrock and Essex, including announcing on 12 June that a Mutuals and Cooperatives Champion will be appointed.

The mutual and cooperatives model supports community wealth building, regional development and inclusive growth, with many organisations rooted in local areas across the UK. These businesses contribute to employment, access to services, and the vitality of local economies. HM Treasury has not made a specific assessment of the contribution of mutuals and co-operatives to economic growth at the level of individual local areas.

The Government does not hold centrally disaggregated data on the number of mutual and co-operative organisations operating in specific local areas such as Basildon, Thurrock or Essex. Mutual societies are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority rather than Companies House, and while data is available at a national level, it is not routinely broken down by local authority area.

The Government recognises the contribution mutuals and co-operatives make to local communities, to a diverse business sector and a resilient UK economy. In line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the mutual and co-operative sectors, HM Treasury is taking steps to support growth of the sector nationwide.

At the Co-op Congress on 12 June, the Government announced its intention to appoint a Mutuals Champion, who will raise the profile of the sector, represent its interests, and strengthen dialogue between the sector and the Government. HM Treasury is currently considering the detailed criteria for appointment and finalising the scope of the role, including how the Champion will engage with Ministers and officials. The Champion will continue to put momentum behind the Government’s agenda to support the growth of the mutual and co-operative sectors.

The Government recognises that mutuals and co-operatives face a range of barriers to growth and continues to engage closely with the sector to understand these issues. This includes funding the Law Commission’s independent review of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, which is exploring options to modernise and update the legislative framework. The review is expected to report in 2026 and the Government will carefully consider its findings before responding.

As part of this at Mansion House 2024 the Chancellor set out a package of measures to support the growth of the mutual and co-operative sectors. This included welcoming the establishment of the industry-led Mutuals and Co-operative Business Council and asking the PRA and FCA to produce a report on the mutuals landscape. These reports were published in December 2025, and covered co-operatives through the FCA’s role as registering authority.

HM Treasury works with other Government departments on support for mutuals and co-operatives. This includes on the Department for Business and Trade’s call for evidence on business support for co-operatives and non-financial mutuals, which was launched at Budget 2025 and closed in February 2026. In addition, the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government has announced the launch of a co-operative development unit as part of its Pride in Place Strategy.

The government has made clear its strong commitment to support the mutual and co-operative sectors and help it grow to drive innovation and economic growth across the country. Legislation to modernise the Building Societies Act will be laid before summer recess.

The mutual and co-operative sector produced a combined annual income of £179.2 billion in 2025. ​The sector is comprised of 9,612 independent societies, employing over 1.3 million people. The Government will continue to work in partnership with the sector to support its long-term growth.

The government is committed to supporting the growth of financial mutuals in line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the mutuals sector. To deliver this, the Chancellor announced a multi-year programme of measures at Mansion House 2024 which HM Treasury is now delivering.

This included asking the Prudential Regulation Authority and Financial Conduct Authority to produce a report on the current landscape of the sector. This was published in December 2025 and included measures to support the development of financial mutuals, including the FCA’s establishment of their Mutual Societies Development Unit. The government also welcomed the Mutual and Co-operative Sector Business Council and published the Financial Services Growth and Competitiveness Strategy, which will support all organisations in the financial services sector.

For credit unions specifically, the government announced it is pursuing growth-focused reforms to the common bond in Great Britain. This was announced in the Financial Inclusion Strategy in November 2025 and followed a call for evidence on reforms. The government will provide a further update on this work in due course.

The Call for Evidence (CfE) was open across Great Britain for 12 weeks and closed on 18th February. DBT’s focus is now on analysing responses and these will inform any potential business support policy for the co-operative and mutual businesses.