Building a Fairer Scotland
The Co-operative Party wants to build a fairer country, where wealth and power are shared. Our policy platform sets out the ideas needed to make this happen – and we want to see these at the top of the House of Commons to-do list.
We are developing challenging and radical ideas for the next Scottish Parliament elections in 2021 – but we also recognise that a UK Government committed to promoting the co-operative ideal is good for Scotland and will help to deliver our goal of building a Fairer Scotland.
Click a box below to read the 12 ways we'll be building a fairer Scotland.
Building a Fairer ECONOMY
Economies characterised by a larger co-operative sector are more equitable, productive and accountable, with a narrower gap between the rich and poor. Instead of wealth being concentrated in the hands of a small percentage at the top, co-operative economies have a wider ownership base.
The Co-operative Party wants to see a more equitable system of taxation for businesses in the UK which enables small, regional and co-operative businesses to grow while ensuring big businesses play by the rules and contribute their fair share. Tax transparency is key to ensuring that UK businesses are paying their fair share of tax. Measures such as the Fair Tax Mark will make it easier to reward firms doing the right thing and identify those who are not.
The Co-operative Party is proud to be the first political party to be awarded the Fair Tax Mark.
There are over 3,000 communities in Britain that no longer have a single bank branch. To ensure branches are not replaced by phone and internet banking only, new Access to Banking Standard should be introduced to protect the continued existence of the “last bank in town”, supervised by the Financial Conduct Authority and penalised when banks fail to uphold that standard, with the funds from any fines spent on financial inclusion and development of credit unions.
Cash machines around the UK are closing at a rate of 300 a month. A review of ATM charges should take place, with a view to reforming them or abolishing them altogether.
Privatisation has failed, and we believe that running utilities, telecoms and rail should be in the public interest and accountable to the public and employees who use and work on them. Democratic public ownership enshrines accountability in the essentials we rely on day-to-day; ensuring that the voice of customers, staff and the taxpayer are at the heart of how these industries are run.
Building a Fairer DEMOCRACY
There should be a new political settlement – both in terms of devolved and reserved powers to Scotland and in terms of more powers for local government. A constitutional convention would enable a transparent and inclusive debate about the UK’s political settlement. Any discussion and decision should be reached in a consultative and participatory way, with local communities, elected representatives and other representatives of civic society able to take part and shape something that works for their own areas.
Building a Fairer WORKPLACE
The co-operative movement emerged as a way to empower people who were being left behind. Much like when, 150 years ago, the self-employed garment workers and launderers came together to provide mutual support, the co-operative model continues to have much to offer in this area. Similarly, the work of trade unions to challenge this definition of self-employment is incredibly important, and we want to see the workers of the new gig economy able to organise and be represented in their daily working lives.
Putting co-operation at the heart of our economy not only means a larger co-operative sector, but also the hard wiring of co-operative values and principles into the DNA of the wider economy.
Businesses at the point of transition present a great opportunity for a step change in the size of the co-operative sector. Employee buyouts show how self-help and co-operation can build resilience into our economy, saving productive businesses and providing an attractive option for business owners. As they transfer ownership to employees, there is a guarantee of the new owners taking a genuine interest in an enterprise’s long-term success.
Building a Fairer ENVIRONMENT
Current policy on climate change is failing to achieve the pace of change needed to prevent irreversible climate catastrophe and is failing to consider those communities most impacted. There should be a co-operative green new deal, which works to ensure a just and rapid transition to achieve zero carbon by 2030.
Building Fairer COMMUNITIES
As the tier of government closest to residents and communities, local councils are at the forefront of helping residents respond to today’s economic and social challenges, from the rising costs of housing to financial exclusion. They are the providers and commissioners of the services that sustain our local infrastructure – homes, schools, roads – and how they choose to do this has a direct impact on the local economy. Local government should be supported to do more – with greater powers and the funding to match.
Building a Fairer WORLD
We believe that global problems require global solutions. This election takes place against a troubling global backdrop. As the gap between the world’s richest and poorest grows, populist politicians stoke intolerant and reactionary sentiments, borders are closed to refugees fleeing conflict, and our environment suffers increasingly extreme consequences of climate change and pollution, co-operation has never been more important.
With shared values of social justice, fairness and equality, the co-operative movement has long been concerned with international development and tackling global inequality. From choosing fair trade products to being part of the Labour Government that committed the UK to reaching the UN-agreed 0.7% of Gross National Income on aid, co-operators have a proud record on international development.
The next government must be even more ambitious to address the scale of challenge facing communities around the world. The Department for International Development must be tasked with reducing inequality rather than promoting the interests of big business abroad. And any solution must be one which empowers communities – challenging broken economic systems and ending a reliance on trickle-down wealth.
How you can build a fairer Scotland
The general election is fast approaching on 12th December, so to make these ideas reality, we need as many people as possible to add their name to our campaign and help us elect as many Scottish Labour & Co-operative Candidates as possible.
We'll keep you updated on how you can get involved and build a fairer Scotland where power and wealth are shared.
We also need funds and people to power our Co-operative Campaigns: chipping in £10 or joining the Party from just £2.15 a month can make all the difference.
Whether you can spare £5 or £50, everything we raise will go direct to campaigning for Co-operative candidates across the country.
If you're not already a member, there is no better time to join than during the election campaign! Join from just £2.15 a month.
Promoted by Joe Fortune on behalf of the Co-operative Party, both at Unit 13, 83 Crampton Street, London, SE17 3BQ, United Kingdom.Co-operative Party Limited is a registered Society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014. Registered no. 30027R