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Social Enterprises and Community Ownership
18 March 2026
Lead MP
Jo Platt
Leigh and Atherton
Lab Co-op
Responding Minister
Blair McDougall
Tags
EconomyTaxationBusiness & TradeBenefits & WelfareLocal Government
Word Count: 9061
Other Contributors: 16
At a Glance
Jo Platt raised concerns about social enterprises and community ownership in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The government should provide access to patient and flexible finance, procurement systems that value social impact, and proper business support for local communities with great ideas. Additionally, the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill introduces a community right to buy, which gives local people opportunities to protect spaces important to them.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The community of Leigh and Atherton faces challenges such as the decline of industries but showcases resilience and creativity in building new initiatives. Social enterprises and community ownership matter because they provide tools for communities to shape local economies, keeping wealth within the locality. There are about 131,000 social enterprises contributing roughly 3.4% of GDP, employing more than 2.3 million people, and reinvesting over £1 billion annually in social causes. However, these organisations face challenges such as navigating complex legal structures and accessing patient capital.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
The MP recalled the golden age of social enterprise support before May 2010, advocating for a return to regionalised support through the MHCLG's co-operative development unit. The speaker called for Departments such as DBT, MHCLG and DCMS to collaborate in providing necessary assistance.
Amanda Martin
Lab
Portsmouth North
Ownership matters, shaping who benefits and whether growth is felt in communities. Social enterprises like the Community Kettle in Portsmouth North keep wealth circulating locally and provide community services but face barriers such as access to finance.
Brian Leishman
Lab
Alloa and Grangemouth
Mr. Leishman highlighted various community initiatives across Alloa and Grangemouth, such as the Newlands community hall, Zetland Park maintenance campaign, Central Football Foundation's work in pavilions, Gairdoch United football club's efforts in Carronshore and Letham, and development trusts in Clackmannan. He also praised the Tullibody community development trust for promoting social inclusion and healthy living.
Chris Kane
Lab
Stirling and Strathallan
Social and community enterprises are thriving in the constituency, with examples including employee ownership at United Auctions and community energy initiatives. However, these organisations often face challenges related to capacity, funding, and long-term sustainability. The MP emphasized the need for Government support to ensure success.
Gareth Snell
Lab Co-op
Stoke-on-Trent Central
Suggests that the Department for Education should integrate co-operative education into the curriculum to encourage young people to consider setting up such enterprises when entering the workforce.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Social enterprises and community-owned organisations are dynamic, resilient parts of the economy that create local jobs and deliver vital services. They face challenges such as business rates, national insurance increases, and financial pressures from the Employment Rights Act. Examples in West Worcestershire include volunteer-led shops and a community interest company pub.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Northern Ireland has 1,200 social enterprises with £933 million in annual turnover. The sector is resilient and innovative, providing services that benefit local communities. To support this growth, a dedicated regional community ownership fund tailored to Northern Ireland's unique needs is required, along with legislative support for the right to buy and progressive procurement policies.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Julie Minns added an example from her constituency about the Rebuild Site social enterprise. This initiative aims to reduce waste in construction and its environmental impact by taking surplus materials back to a warehouse, selling them, and donating proceeds to community projects.
Kirsteen Sullivan
Lab Co-op
Bathgate and Linlithgow
The Community Empowerment Act has not delivered as hoped due to austerity. The Low Port Centre in Linlithgow shows proactive community ownership can renew a town. Government commitment to co-operative values will support such efforts.
Leigh Ingham
Lab
Stafford
The Oxleathers pub in Stafford serves as a social hub and community asset, highlighting the importance of empowering communities to shape their economic future. The speaker also cited Spain's investment in renewable energy as an example of how community-driven regeneration can reduce exposure to fossil fuel markets.
Patrick Hurley
Lab
Southport
Ownership affects who makes decisions and benefits from them. Ownership of assets is currently too low for local people, with more control by remote organisations. The Office for the Impact Economy should not reinvent the wheel but build on the success of existing funds like better futures to address complex social issues.
Paul Waugh
Lab Co-op
Rochdale
Paul Waugh thanked his hon. Friend for securing the debate and highlighted Rochdale's role in the co-operative movement. He mentioned that Rochdale council is acquiring a church to turn it into a community-owned cultural venue, noting that legislation currently works against such initiatives by not allowing gift aid or proper business rate relief.
Roz Savage
Lib Dem
South Cotswolds
Ms. Savage emphasized the importance of social enterprises and community-owned assets in rural areas, citing examples like the Fleece Inn in Hillesley, which was saved by a local community enterprise, and the Christian Malford village hall, which hosts events for dispersed populations. She raised concerns about funding pressures on these initiatives and called for scaling up the community ownership fund to support them.
Sarah Hall
Lab Co-op
Warrington South
In Warrington, grassroots sports clubs are struggling due to a lack of resources and capacity from local authorities. Despite the will from community members and partners, many good projects risk stalling. Community ownership can unlock investment from organisations such as the Football Foundation but requires targeted funding and streamlined processes from Government.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Sarah Olney highlighted the challenges faced by social enterprises, including high national insurance rates and energy bills. She noted that there are around 131,000 social enterprises in the UK generating £78 billion annually. She also mentioned issues such as limited access to finance, rising operating costs, and difficulties with procurement systems. Olney called for the apprenticeship levy to be replaced with a wider skills and training levy.
Simon Opher
Lab
Stroud
Community ownership is transformative, with local people willing to fund it but needing guarantees. The Rose and Crown pub in Nympsfield was recently bought by the community, and there's a campaign for environmental right-to-buy.
Government Response
Blair McDougall
Government Response
Congratulated various community enterprises and charities, highlighted the Government's support for social enterprises through measures like the civil society covenant, local covenant partnerships fund, and the better futures fund. Emphasised the impact of social enterprises on the economy and their ability to innovate. Mentioned plans to double the size of the co-operative sector and improve access and advice for co-operatives. Announced £1 billion funding for community energy ownership projects through the local power plan.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.