Build your own co‑operative manifesto

The Labour Government has begun taking action to meet its commitment to double the size of the co-operative and mutual sector. Since entering Government, a new Mutual & Co-operative Business Council has been established, a Call for Evidence on co-op growth has been launched and a new Co-op Development Unit will be in place in the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Combined and local authorities can play a key part in meeting this objective and are central partners in delivering new co-operative growth. Councils can make co-operative development central to their plans for their local economy, providing support and resources for new and existing co-operatives to develop.

Fair, accessible and accountable financial services are vital to increasing local communities’ and residents’ living standards. Member-owned financial mutuals – such as credit unions, building societies and mutual insurers – are built on the principles of accountability, democracy and member interest. By providing accessible services such as low interest loans and savings accounts, credit unions can enable employees, residents and households to save and invest in their future. Building societies and community banks can also serve a vital role, developing mutual financial services to all communities and businesses.

The Labour Government’s energy transition plans provide the largest opportunity for community energy expansion in British history. Spearheaded by GB Energy, the Local Power Plan provides the chance for local authorities to work with community energy groups to develop new renewable energy generation capacity in all parts of the country. A future energy system built on community energy can put communities in charge of their energy production, supply and usage. Community energy retrofitting of homes can help to reduce energy bills through greater energy efficiency.

The Labour Government is committed to building more affordable housing for communities across the country. Changes to the planning system, leasehold and rental sectors provide the opportunity for local councils to help deliver better housing for residents and drive change. Co-operative housing and community-led housing can be an integral part of delivering long-term affordable housing which empowers residents. Local councillors have a pivotal role in supporting the establishment and development of new forms of community-led housing – delivering accountable, secure and high-quality housing tenure for residents for the long-term.

Many communities are underserved by existing transport systems – leaving them isolated and often unable to access jobs, services and town centres. Community-led transport services can meet the needs of local residents – particularly the most vulnerable, elderly and isolated. Community transport can include community buses, dial-a-ride, voluntary car schemes, school and hospital transport. Local councillors can work to expand and safeguard these services – ensuring every resident has access to vital transport connections.

The present social care system is broken – failing to deliver for care recipients, their families and care workers. The co-operative model can provide a solution which puts all these groups in control of their care. Co-op social care provision is developing in different regions of the UK and local councils can play an important role in expanding their services.

Labour & Co-operative councillors can take action to revive their high streets – creating safer spaces for residents, communities and businesses. This will mean implementing community led approaches to high street redevelopment and strong action to reduce retail crime – which harms workers, consumers, communities and businesses. The introduction of the Pride in Place programme provides the opportunity for councillors to support community-led high street regeneration – rebuilding a sense of pride in local town centres and giving communities control over their future. This can help put an end to boarded up shops, closed pubs and town decay.