The Political Opportunity Pre 2000, demutualisation shrinking the UK sector Period of business stabilisation then growth 2008 Financial crisis a shock to the economic system Now there is a political consensus moving in favour of mutuals

Key Objectives To build a cross party political consensus for mutuals Develop a policy ‘shopping list’ for the UK Government Build sectoral buy-in for this programme Influence political parties to adopt pro-mutual policy and programmes

Secondary Benefits Educate key policy makers about mutuals Consolidate background resources promoting mutuals Raise the profile of the sector and businesses within it Build closer relationships with political parties Build solidarity among mutuals

Process Gather support from sector trade bodies Series of meetings with sector experts Each sector responsible for their own content Advise and facilitate the development of headline messages Meet with political parties to explain our objectives

Process The Manifesto is divided into four sections: The case for co-operatives & mutuals What co-operatives and mutuals need from the Government How co-operatives and mutuals can help Britain Chapters on the component parts of the co-operative and mutual sector

Using the Manifesto It is a central reference tool for politicians when working with co- operatives and mutuals Party general election manifestos reflected our campaigning Dialogue led to new policy discussions Others have been able to run campaigns on specific policy areas from the manifesto It has attracted global interest

And it actually works Cross-party consensus in favour of co-operatives & mutuals Many new mutuals have been established in health, education & local government sectors There are over 2 million more mutual members as a result of this work The Coalition Agreement commits the UK Government to promote mutuals New long term engagement with politicians with a higher benchmark

Co-operatives Key Issues: Advocacy/Policy leadership Legislation Fiscal Policy Business support Capital Raising