The Government is committed to supporting the growth of the co-operatives and mutuals sector and recognises its important role in driving competition, financial inclusion and consumer choice. Since Mansion House 2024, the Government has been delivering a multi-year programme of reforms to support its ambition to double the size of the sector over the long term, including in North East Somerset and Hanham.

This includes supporting the sector’s long-term development through the Law Commission’s independent review of co-operative legislation and ongoing engagement with the industry-led Mutual and Co-operative Sector Business Council. The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade is also considering responses to its call for evidence on how the government can continue to support co-operatives and non-financial mutuals to start, grow and sustain, as well as support existing businesses transition into a co-operative or mutual model. The Government’s approach focuses on removing barriers to growth and creating the conditions for sustainable expansion across the sector.

The Government wants to ensure that the law governing co-operatives and community benefit societies supports their growth. That is why the Government is funding the Law Commission’s independent review of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. The review is considering ways to update and modernise the legislation, ensuring that it fits the nature and needs of these societies and that regulation is proportionate and effective. This includes consideration of whether shares may be issued with varying rights and to non-user investors.

Once published, the Government will carefully consider the Law Commission’s recommendations to understand whether reform is needed to support these businesses to grow and succeed in the future. The Government is committed to unlocking the full potential of the mutual and co-operative sector to support inclusive growth and we continue to engage regularly with the sector to address the barriers to the sector’s growth

My Department 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 has also introduced a new Pride in Place Community Right to Buy Fund that will support communities in taking advantage of the Community Right to Buy, created by our English Devolution and Community Empowerment Act.

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.

This Government recognises the enormous value of the co-operative sector.

The Office of Impact Economy, working with departments including the Department for Business and Trade, mobilises and scales partnerships between the impact economy, places and government around core shared objectives in support of national renewal.

Co-operatives and mutuals play an important part in helping to create jobs, retain employment and build wealth locally, and the Department for Business and Trade is supporting the government’s manifesto commitment to double the size of the sector. In addition to this, the Office for the Impact Economy unlocks the impact economy’s potential, making partnerships between the government and this sector easier to start and deliver.

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.