Cobbetts and Co-op to offer advice to aspiring mutuals

THE Co-operative Group has teamed up with Birmingham law firm Cobbetts to promote the mutual model as a way of delivering David Cameron’s ‘Big Society’.

Under its Big Society policy, the Government wants to “empower local people and communities” by handing the delivery of some public services to co-operatives, charities and community groups.

It has already said it will support public sector workers who wish to form co-operatives or mutuals to bid for contracts to carry out certain services.

The Co-op, along with Cobbetts and Westminster Bridge, a consultancy that seeks to promote a better understanding of co-operatives, has set up Public Service Mutuals, offering assistance and advice to people establishing co-ops.

It expects to work primarily with local authorities looking to hive off some of their responsibilities.

Kevin Jaquiss, partner responsible for Cobbetts’ public services work, said: “We believe that in many cases co-operatives offer a viable alternative to conventional approaches by offering employees and local communities a stake in the delivery of key services. We have a wealth of experience and we understand what works and what doesn’t.”

Co-op Group chief executive Peter Marks added: “We have heard a great deal from all the mainstream political parties about the co-operative model delivering public sector services but up until now we’ve lacked a one-stop shop where people can get the advice and assistance necessary to turn great ideas into practical solutions. Public Service Mutuals fills that gap.

“We know the co-operative model works. Indeed, we have been around since 1844 and in recent years we have enjoyed a renaissance which has seen us double sales, profits and membership.

“However, we have a purpose beyond profit, with a vision of creating a better society and we believe this new venture will enable us to help communities across the UK deliver important services in an alternative way.”