Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Co-operative and Mutual Businesses: Tax Contribution

Tuesday 11 February 2020 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Jim McMahon asked about the tax contribution of co-operative and mutual businesses, to which no recent specific assessment was made, though mutuals generate over 130 billion annually for the wider economy.
  • The Minister agreed to meet McMahon and representatives from the co-op and mutuals sector to discuss the economy's inclusive growth.
  • Mike Wood asked the Minister to consider broadening the eligibility for social investment tax relief to benefit more mutuals and social enterprises.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jim McMahon Labour (Co-op) Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Economy
Context

The question arises from a need to assess the economic impact of co-operatives and mutuals on tax revenues. The MP highlights that these organisations contribute significantly to job creation and fair taxation.

Question

What recent assessment has been made by the Department regarding the contribution to the public purse of tax paid by co-operative and mutual businesses?

Answer from John Glen

No recent assessment has been made specifically on the amount of tax paid by co-operatives and mutuals, but the all-party group for mutuals report found that mutuals generate over £130 billion to benefit the wider economy each year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The question asked for a specific assessment of tax contributions, but no such document was provided. Instead, general economic benefits were cited.

How: No Recent Assessment Has Been Made Specifically On The Amount Of Tax Paid By Co-Operatives And Mutuals

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Q2 Jim McMahon Labour (Co-op) Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
Economy Business & Trade
Context

The MP seeks a meeting with the Minister to discuss the economic contributions made by co-operatives and mutuals, particularly in terms of job creation and tax payment.

Question

Will the Minister meet me and representatives from the co-op and mutuals sector to discuss that part of the economy and make sure that Britain can thrive in an inclusive way?

Answer from John Glen

Yes, I will. There are 7,000 co-ops across the United Kingdom, employing nearly a quarter of a million people. I have had numerous meetings over the past two years with representatives of co-ops and mutuals, and we had a mutuals workshop last July.

Answered
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Q3 Mike Wood Con Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Taxation
Context

The MP seeks to broaden the eligibility criteria for social investment tax relief to include more mutuals and social enterprises. The goal is to support these entities in delivering better services.

Question

Will my hon. Friend consider broadening the eligibility for social investment tax relief so that more mutuals and social enterprises can deliver excellent services and outstanding social value?

Answer from John Glen

I always listen very carefully to what my hon. Friend says. I think the best way forward would be for me to meet him to discuss his specific proposals and see what can be done.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The MP asked for a decision on broadening eligibility criteria, but no commitment was made beyond agreeing to discuss the matter further.

How: I Think The Best Way Forward Would Be For Me To Meet Him

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