Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Co-operative Sector

Thursday 5 March 2026 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government recognises the value of the co-operative sector and is working with other Departments to grow it.
  • The Office for the Impact Economy is collaborating with the Department for Business and Trade and the Treasury to maximise the social and economic benefits of the co-operative sector.
  • The Government is committed to using high street rental auctions to prioritise community-owned and co-operative models, providing opportunities for community organisations to access tenancies.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Patrick Hurley Lab Southport
Business & Trade
Context

Patrick Hurley inquires about the role of the Office for the Impact Economy in supporting the growth of the co-operative sector.

Question

What steps he is taking through the Office for the Impact Economy to help increase the size of the co-operative sector.

Answer from Satvir Kaur

This Government recognise the enormous value of our co-operative sector. That is why the Office for the Impact Economy is already working closely with other Departments, including the Department for Business and Trade and the Treasury, to grow the co-operative sector and maximise its social and economic impact, helping to deliver the promise of national renewal the country voted for at the last election. I personally look forward to working with my hon. Friend, in his role as chair of the social, co-operative, and community economy all-party parliamentary group, and with the wider sector to build on this.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific steps being taken through the Office for the Impact Economy to grow the co-operative sector are not detailed

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Q2 Patrick Hurley Lab Southport
Community Security Business & Trade Local Government
Context

Following the Government's commitment to growing the co-operative sector, Patrick Hurley seeks a commitment to prioritise community-owned and co-operative models in high street rental auctions.

Question

Given the Government's commitment to growing the co-operative sector, will the Minister commit to working across Government, specifically with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, so that high street rental auctions actively prioritise community-owned and co-operative models, and ensure that the Office for the Impact Economy is promoting these economies appropriately?

Answer from Satvir Kaur

This Government are committed to delivering pride in places where we live. High street rental auctions are a really effective new tool for local authorities to do that, by bringing vacant high street units back into use, while unlocking opportunities for community organisations to access tenancies at reduced rates. Early adopter councils are making great strides in implementing these new powers and sharing best practice. The Office for the Impact Economy and I are working closely with MHCLG and other Departments to maximise the impact of place-based social and economic delivery.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific commitment to prioritise community-owned and co-operative models in high street rental auctions is not given

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