political donations

The Co‑operative Group is a significant supporter of The Co‑operative Party, which was created in 1917 by the UK Co‑operative Movement in order to promote its values & principles. The Party works to raise awareness of the benefits of the co‑operative and mutual models, and to influence government towards support for more co‑operative action. The Co‑operative Party has representation in both Houses of Parliament, the Scottish Parliament, the National Assembly of Wales and the Greater London Assembly, and, additionally, has over 350 local councillors1.

In 2008, an overall financial contribution of £646,000 (2007: £646,103) was made to The Co‑operative Party in respect of the annual subscription and support for Party Councils. An in-kind donation of £6,000 (2007: £1,250) was also made by the Group to the Party, in the form of the provision of office space and use of a telephone. In addition, miscellaneous expenditure was incurred in support of The Labour Party at local, regional and national levels, amounting to £12,000.