In all workplaces, protection for employees who speak out - a Whistleblowers Act. Co-operative principles are grounded in democracy, and in decisions being taken by the people who will be affected by them. The Co-operative Party is committed to democratic reform in Europe, at Westminster and the Lords, regionally and locally. Devolution to the Scottish Parliament and a Welsh Assembly has taken place with our fullest support. The Party has an active network of local councillors who are involved in promoting co-operative solutions to help regenerate local economies and communities.
Power needs to be restored to local government and placed in the hands of local people.
To preserve and protect our environment we must protect local communities from the devastating effect of unregulated development. Co-operatives, because they are responsive to the whole needs of a community, offer a sustainable alternative which takes account of the environment. Retail co-operatives have a long history of pioneering environmental production and development. To give legal recognition to housing co-operatives, we are arguing for a reform of legislation, including new forms of tenure. A credit union is a community-based means of encouraging savings, offering affordable loans to members who may have no other access to finance.