Cooperatives and Mutual Societies: Essex

The government recognises the contribution the mutual and co-operative sectors make to local communities, to a diverse business sector and a resilient UK economy. In line with the manifesto commitment to double the size of the co-operatives and mutuals sector, HM Treasury is taking steps to support their growth nationwide, including in Basildon, Thurrock and Essex, including announcing on 12 June that a Mutuals and Cooperatives Champion will be appointed.

The mutual and cooperatives model supports community wealth building, regional development and inclusive growth, with many organisations rooted in local areas across the UK. These businesses contribute to employment, access to services, and the vitality of local economies. HM Treasury has not made a specific assessment of the contribution of mutuals and co-operatives to economic growth at the level of individual local areas.

The Government does not hold centrally disaggregated data on the number of mutual and co-operative organisations operating in specific local areas such as Basildon, Thurrock or Essex. Mutual societies are registered with the Financial Conduct Authority rather than Companies House, and while data is available at a national level, it is not routinely broken down by local authority area.