Consultations

Plunkett UK welcomes the Government's continued commitment to a nationwide Post Office network and recognises the vital role that Post Offices play in sustaining rural communities. The decision to retain the current geographical access criteria and the minimum requirement of 11,500 branches is particularly encouraging. Rural communities rely on local [...]

Plunkett UK has responded to the Government’s recent announcement on the future of the Post Office, acknowledging several positive commitments – but warning that the framework still lacks a full understanding of how rural communities sustain their local branches. As the national charity supporting over 850 community-owned businesses, Plunkett sees [...]

Plunkett UK has used insight from members to frame its response 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. Thank you to all Plunkett members who provided such positive and constructive feedback to inform [...]

Plunkett UK has expressed disappointment at the government’s announcement of a 15% discount on pubs’ business rates bills from April. The national charity warns that the measures are nowhere near enough to stem the crisis facing the sector – particularly for its community pub members that have already stepped in [...]

Plunkett UK has shared its insights and policy suggestions to tackle deprivation in rural areas with the Labour Rural Research Group in response to its call for evidence to inform an upcoming report on rural poverty. Rural deprivation is frequently hidden within national datasets, masked by averages and low population density. [...]

Plunkett UK has expressed deep disappointment that today’s Budget fails to deliver meaningful support for rural community businesses – despite the Government’s own commitment to grow the co-operative sector. In advance of today’s Budget, the charity submitted a clear and constructive proposal to the Chancellor setting out what is needed [...]

Caroline Voaden MP for South Devon has received our backing over her intervention during the passage of a crucial piece legislation in Parliament. The MP has called for the establishment of a Community Ownership Fund (COF) within six months of the passage of the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. [...]

Wendy Chamberlain MP and Willie Rennie MSP have visited two inspiring communities in Fife to support these local initiatives and the role of Plunkett UK in supporting thriving rural communities. Visits to The Haven Community Inn in Cellardyke and Elie Kirk Community Enterprise Limited (EKCEL) formed part of the parliamentarians’ tour [...]