Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions her Department have had on the scope, conduct or progress of its review of the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act with the Law Commission.

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.