Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to review policy and legislation to ensure that healthcare mutuals have access to the same opportunities for growth, investment and regulatory support as mutuals in the financial sector.

DBT, as part of the 2025 Autumn Budget announcements, launched a Call for Evidence on Business Support for Co-operatives and Mutuals. This was open across Great Britain for 12 weeks and closed on 18th February. DBT is now analysing responses and these responses will inform any potential business support policy for the co-operative and mutual businesses.

DBT ensured that for Financial Year 25/26 Growth Hubs in England offer support to businesses with alternative business models – including Co-operatives and Mutuals, as a condition of funding, and included more information on Co-operatives and Mutuals through the highly successful Help to Grow Management programme.

The Law Commission reviews are considering ways to update and modernise the legislation for co-operatives, community benefit societies, and friendly societies, ensuring that it fits the nature and needs of these societies as well as ensuring that regulation is proportionate and effective. The government will carefully consider the recommendations to understand whether reform is needed to ensure these businesses are supported to grow and succeed into the future.