Consultations

A community’s right to buy a local asset or business was announced in Parliament yesterday (10 July) and welcomed by rural community business charity, Plunkett UK. As part of the English Devolution Bill set out in the House of Commons, it will become easier for local ownership groups to take [...]

This month: Plunkett and Members highlighted in Parliament, the Spending Review, engaging with the Business and Trade Committee, and visits to community businesses. Rural community shops in the House of Commons Plunkett UK and member Oxton Community Shop were directly mentioned in the House of Commons last month by [...]

As Plunkett announces its search for a Head of External Affairs with a focus on representing a growing movement of rural community-owned businesses, James Alcock, Chief Executive, shares a round-up of recent external affairs activity. If the last few weeks are anything to go by, our new Head of External [...]

Chris Cowcher, Head of Policy, comments on what Wednesday's Budget means for the community business sector, and reflects that it brings mixed news covering a number of issues. The media headlines had been written before yesterday’s budget announcement with a very clear indication before the Chancellor Rachel Reeves had [...]

Following his recent visit to Liverpool, our Head of Policy, Chris Cowcher shares an update on a range of engagements. Read Chris' diary entries from his three days at the Labour Party Conference to find out more about his interactions and conversations. You’ve only had to watch or listen to [...]

As the new government prioritises economic growth, a landmark report published today reveals the enormous potential of the rural economy, which could generate billions of pounds annually in additional tax revenues. The report shows that with the right policy framework, the rural economy could increase productivity significantly, leading to an [...]

James Alcock, Chief Executive Officer, gives his thoughts on the results of the General Election and what it now means for the community-owned business sector. The result of yesterday’s election has led to a new party of power in Government for the first time since 2010. Labour’s win brings to [...]

Open letter from Plunkett UK, ACRE and RSN urges minister to delay any decision on the transfer of Royal Mail until after the election. Three organisations representing rural community interests have expressed concerns that a possible buyout of Royal Mail could result in a watering down of the Universal Service [...]

With the party manifestos now published ahead of the General Election on 4 July, Chris Cowcher, our Head of Policy and Communications, considers how the policies included could support our sector. We’re 3 weeks into the 2024 General Election campaign, and this week marks a significant milestone in the [...]