The government has appointed Labour/Co-op MP Andrew Pakes as its co-operatives and mutuals champion.
Pakes will liaise with the co-operatives and mutuals sector to identify opportunities for, and barriers to, the growth of the sector, in line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the sector, says the government.
He is also tasked with communicating those opportunities and barriers to ministers, and assisting in developing relevant policy.
The role will also see him work to “raise the profile across government and in Parliament of the co-operative and mutual model as a driver of inclusive economic growth, regional development, and community wealth building”, the government adds..
And he will represent the interests of the sector in relevant government discussions and forums.
“The co-operative and mutual sector is a key player in helping to build a country where growth reaches into every community and postcode,” said Pakes.
“From its roots in providing everyday people with access to safe and affordable food, fair finance, home ownership and jobs worth having, today the sector employs 1.7 million people and powers investment across the country. But it can do so much more.
“That’s why I am delighted to be helping the government to deliver on its ambitions to double the size of the co-operative and mutual economy. This is my mission in public life.
“I am really looking forward to working with the sector and being a bridge between government and the movement as seek to meet the ambition of doubling the size of the mutual and co-operative economy.”
Pakes has had a high profile serving the co-op and mutuals sectors in recent years, including a spell as chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Mutuals. Last year, he tabled a ten minute rule bill to make specific provision for people living in homes owned by co-operatives, and this year he has visited co-op sector events in Australia and Canada to share lessons for policy makers looking to grow their mutual economies.
Rose Marley, CEO of Co-operatives UK, said: “The first co‑operatives and mutuals champion in government will drive the agenda across Westminster, and Andrew Pakes has demonstrated his commitment and passion to this agenda. Andrew knows our movement and he gets what co‑operatives can do.
Related: How cross-party groups in Parliament are working to support co-ops
“Co-operatives are the good growth in every postcode. They are resilient businesses, they pay fairly, they invest in their communities and they share wealth and power. But the number of co-ops grew by just 0.41% last year. That isn’t a lack of demand – it’s a business environment that wasn’t built with co-operatives in mind.
“Doubling the co-operative economy needs more tailored business support, better access to capital and modern co-operative law. We look forward to working with Andrew to make all three happen.”
Sarah McCarthy‑Fry, chair of the Mutual and Co‑operative Sector Business Council, said: “On behalf of the thousands of co‑operative, mutual and employee‑owned businesses the council brings together, I congratulate Andrew Pakes on his appointment. We look forward to working with him to establish the conditions needed to accelerate growth, and to realise government’s ambition to double the size of the co‑operative and mutual sector.”
Kate Allum, interim group CEO at the Co-op Group, said: “The government’s ambition to see good growth in every postcode can be underpinned by their commitment to see the whole co-operative and mutual sector double in size.
“Whether it be food retail rooted in communities, social care providers owned by those receiving and providing care or energy co-ops powering clean energy across the UK, co-ops and mutuals serve members in the places they live.
“As the world’s oldest co-op – and one of world’s biggest – the Co-op Group applaud the appointment of Andrew Pakes MP as the government’s co-operative champion.
“Andrew is hugely respected Parliamentarian who will help connect the potential of co-ops and mutuals to the challenges Government face so we can see good, resilient, co-operative growth.”
Andrew Whyte , CEO of the Association of Financial Mutuals, said: “This appointment represents a significant step towards achieving the government’s ambition to double the size of the UK’s mutual and co-operative sector. It sends a strong signal of the government’s commitment to supporting a diverse, competitive and inclusive economy in which mutual businesses can thrive.
“As champion, Andrew Pakes will have a vital role to play in advocating for the sector across government and, crucially, in bringing together different departments to ensure a coherent and integrated policy approach. This joined-up thinking will be essential if the full potential of mutual and co-operative businesses is to be realised.
“Mutual insurers have a distinctive and important contribution to make in addressing some of the country’s most pressing challenges. From advancing financial inclusion and building financial resilience, to helping close protection gaps and supporting better outcomes in healthcare and long-term savings, mutuals provide a trusted, customer- focused model that delivers real value to millions of people across the UK.
“Andrew brings genuine knowledge and understanding of the mutual and co-operative sector, together with a clear commitment to its success. We are confident that his experience and passion will help strengthen the sector’s voice within Government and support initiatives that enable mutual businesses to grow and innovate.
“We look forward to working closely with Andrew on our shared mission to grow the mutual sector and ensure that it continues to play an increasingly important role in achieving sustainable, long term economic growth and delivering financial inclusion, resilience and prosperity for communities across the UK.”
More reaction from the co-op movement to follow as Co-op News receives it.
