Plunkett UK is encouraging its members to respond to an important statutory consultation launched by the UK Government on business support for co-operatives and non-financial mutuals – which includes rural community owned businesses.
This call for evidence, published by the Department for Business and Trade, seeks input from organisations, stakeholders and individuals on how Government can better support co-operatives and non-financial mutual businesses to start, grow, sustain and transition into co-operative or mutual models.
The Government is looking for community business’ evidence and insight on:
- The experiences of co-operatives and non-financial mutuals in starting up, growing and sustaining their organisations.
- Barriers or challenges these organisations face compared with other business types.
- How business support, access to finance, public awareness, and policy frameworks could be improved to unlock greater sector growth.
- Opportunities for existing businesses to transition into co-operative or mutual models.
We view this as an excellent opportunity for our members to influence policymaking that could shape future support for them and the community business sector across the UK.
How you can respond to the Government’s call for evidence
We strongly encourage you to respond directly to the Government’s call for evidence with your own experiences, evidence, and recommendations. Your input is valuable and helps ensure a broad and representative set of voices from across the sector.
Go to the full consultation and respond on the UK Government website.
Our sector response & request for feedback
In addition to encouraging individual responses, Plunkett is submitting a proposal paper.
This outlining the key barriers that community businesses face in starting, growing and operating – including regulatory, financial, awareness and support challenges – along with recommendations for what government action is needed to overcome these barriers and unlock growth.
Key Dates
Please give your feedback on Plunkett’s proposal by emailing policy@plunkett.co.uk by Friday 30 January 2026.
Respond directly to the UK Government online by Wednesday 18 February 2026.
Why including rural communities in the growth agenda matters
The Government’s growth mission promises to “raise living standards for everyone” and “in every part of the United Kingdom.” With nearly 10 million people – 17% of the population – living in rural England, it is essential that these communities are fully included in the national growth agenda.
Rural communities have experienced steady decline in recent years, with minimal government intervention to reverse the trend. The closures of essential services heighten the risk of isolation, especially among older people, those living in poverty, and individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions.
Supporting the growth of rural community businesses offers a practical, cost-effective way to revitalise these areas. It allows residents to take ownership of local services and shared spaces, rebuild community ties, and drive local economic development. It also sends a clear signal that government recognises the value and potential of rural communities.
A place-based approach to growth must uncover and address these inequalities. Only by doing so can the Government deliver on its promise of inclusive economic growth and ensure that no community is left behind.
