Developing Co-ops

Blog

Trickle down economics is dead, and community wealth is replacing it.

Emma Hoddinott

Local Government Officer

23^rd March 2017

Over the past week, we've welcomed Ted Howard, founder of the Democracy Collaborative, to the UK to learn more about a model which is making policy makers across the political spectrum in the US sit up and take notice, and seeing what the lessons might be for communities the UK.

February 2017

Blog

Tech giants make billions from our most intimate personal data. Isn’t it time we took back control?

Hugh Goulbourne

13^th February 2017

From what we buy and eat to how we sleep and socialise, big data is transforming our lives. And through data co-operatives, we have the chance to ensure it benefits us all, not just big business

Blog

Pushing the Scottish Government to go further to support co-operatives

Richard McCready

Political Officer

10^th February 2017

This week the Scottish Parliament examined the Scottish Government's plans to support co-operative and social enterprise in Scotland. So why does the paper fail to include any mention of the development body the scottish government established to do just that?

January 2017

Blog

It’s time to enable small businesses to work together to get a better deal from banks.

Christina Rees

10^th January 2017

Small and medium-sized businesses are the cornerstone of the UK economy. Enabling them to support one another via mutual guarantee societies will ensure we all benefit from the jobs and investment they create.

December 2016

Blog

Germany has thousands of banks. The UK has just five, and it’s strangling our economy.

Ben West

Communications & Digital Officer

13^th December 2016

On a recent trip to Germany, we saw the difference a diverse, public-driven banking system can make. Now this week Co-operative MPs have been working to bring these approaches to the UK.

Blog

Calling time on nuisance callers

James Kelly

Labour and Co-operative MSP for Glasgow

2^nd December 2016

Our co-operative movement has long been at the forefront of protecting consumers - and it's time for co-operators to take the lead in tackling nuisance calls.

November 2016

Blog

Texan taxi drivers are showing there’s a co-operative alternative to the Uber economy

Virginia Doherty

14^th November 2016

A co-operative owned by taxi drivers in Austin Texas is putting them back in control of fares, fees and working conditions - enabling them to serve communities left behind by ride-sharing apps

Blog

Small businesses in Europe work together to access finance and share risk – why shouldn’t those in the UK?

Virginia Doherty

11^th November 2016

Too often, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) struggle to access the finance they need to grow. But in Europe, mutual guarantee societies provide a solution we can learn from.

Blog

To double the size of the co-operative economy, we need to clear the roadblocks that stand in the way

Co-operative Party

7^th November 2016

A Bill to be introduced by Labour & Co-operative MPs tomorrow aims to cut back red tape and bring regulation of co-ops in line with other types of businesses

October 2016

Blog

We were successful in regulating pay-day lenders. But this International Credit Union day, there’s still more to do.

Ed Miliband

20^th October 2016

International Credit Union day is our chance to celebrate how far we've come - and to raise public awareness too.

Blog

The Government says it wants to encourage more of us to save – credit unions must be part of the solution

Ben West

Communications & Digital Officer

18^th October 2016

Help to Save is a huge opportunity to further support and expand credit unions - and Co-operative MPs are working to ensure they're included in the Government's plans

July 2016

Blog

Co-operative MPs tell government to back mutual solution to financial exclusion

Co-operative Party

5^th July 2016

As traditional banks abandon many of our poorest communities, Co-operative MPs have called for financial mutuals such as building societies and credit unions to take their place.

June 2016

Blog

Co-operative MSPs Mark Co-operatives Fortnight

Johann Lamont

Current Labour and Co-operative MSP for Glasgow Pollok

21^st June 2016

Co-operatives have a long and distinguished history in Scotland - but it is important that the Scottish Government and local authorities look to promote co-operatives in twenty-first century Scotland too.

May 2016

Blog

Co-operation between European countries? Co-operatives depend on it.

Andrew Raimondi

26^th May 2016

Co-operation between European countries remains crucial for the co-operative movements within them to thrive.

Blog

Co-operatives are thriving in Plymouth – here’s how the Labour & Co-operative council is making it happen.

Co-operative Party

3^rd May 2016

Local government officer Emma Hoddinott reports back on last week's visit to Plymouth, where councillors are this week campaigning to keep Labour & Co-operative control of the City Council.

March 2016

Blog

Scottish Co-operative Party Backs Credit Union Charter

Richard McCready

Political Officer

17^th March 2016

Co-operative Party MSP candidates have backed ABCUL's charter calling for Scotland to become a 'Credit Union Nation'

February 2016

Blog

Johann Lamont: SNP treating co-operatives as ‘last resort’

Andrew Raimondi

25^th February 2016

Labour & Co-operative MSP calls on the SNP-run Scottish government to show greater ambition in championing the co-operative sector

Blog

Is cracking down on corporate tax dodgers the ‘new fairtrade’?

Ben West

Communications & Digital Officer

4^th February 2016

Admidst public outrage at tax avoidance, the co-operative-backed Fair Tax Mark is helping consumers to distinguish corporate tax dodgers from those who pay their fair share.

December 2015

Blog

EU backs calls for fair tax mark

Paul Monaghan

4^th December 2015

The European Union has joined calls for recognition of companies who pay their fair share of tax

October 2015

Blog

Armed forces credit union launched to give services alternative to payday lenders

Co-operative Party

15^th October 2015

From today, service personnel and their families will be able to borrow and save money via a dedicated armed forces credit union.

November 2014

Blog

Government announces support for armed forces credit unions

Co-operative Party

29^th November 2014

Following a Co-operative Party-led campaign, the Government has said it will work with credit unions to safeguard service personnel from predatory lenders

May 2014

Blog

Helping credit unions beat the Market

Joe Goldberg

30^th May 2014

In Haringey, we are helping credit unions do what they do best – beating payday lenders at their own game

April 2014

Blog

Give Them Credit

Chris Evans

Labour and Co-operative MP for Islwyn

8^th April 2014

The creation of an armed forces credit union would improve the availability of affordable financial services to armed forces families. It's time for the MoD to give it proper support.