Our May 2024 Robert Owen Day we focused upon “Building a Co-operative Future: Law Commission Review – Radical Perspectives”. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGbE0b-Z8DOZkJsIgzSZJoRhVzoSuDiOH
We explored a bold new vision for co-operative law, specifically examining how the Law Commission, which has now partly reported (see below) could help reshape the legal landscape to create the ideal conditions for co-operative growth. The event brought together representatives from The Law Commission and Co-ops UK, alongside co-operative lawyers, sector operators, and community activists.
During one panel discussion, James Wright, Co-ops UK Head of Policy argued that the wider policy landscape suffers from a profound lack of awareness. “The practical understanding of the co-operative movement is very thin”. Wright noted. “We need a much richer understanding than we currently have. Legislation, regulations, and strategic interventions for different sectors are quite often created in a way that completely fails to countenance the existence of co-operatives. As a result, unnecessary barriers are created that actively hinder how co-operatives function.” He further emphasised that even if governments and others successfully introduced co-operative and mutual policy impact assessments, “we would still be asked for more information about what criteria to use.”
In January 2026, to help answer this question, Co-operative News published an opinion piece by David Smith of Co-operatives Wales titled “Putting co-operation at the heart of education in Wales” We welcome your comments and engagement in taking this agenda forward in Wales and beyond.
+ The Law Commission and Co-operatives UK have confirmed that the final report and draft Bill have been delayed due to internal resourcing and scheduling. It is officially expected to be published in early 2027. How will this make a difference in everyday understanding the co-operative model of business?
