Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if she will make additional resources available to help double the size of the mutual and co‑operative sector.

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.