Co-oppundit 2012

POSITIVE PUBLIC POLICY
“Citizens are fully entitled to expect that their government will provide a positive public policy framework that supports the development and sustainability of member-controlled enterprises”

Legislative, fiscal and taxation policies are needed to:

• Provide for the free association of persons wishing to form member-controlled enterprises, for their registration, preservation of their sovereignty and safeguarding the rights of members; also, providing legal protection for the words ‘co-operative’ and ‘mutual’

• Ensure that member-controlled enterprises are always treated no less favourably than any other form of enterprise and that any obstacles to the development of appropriate financing arrangements, whether legal, fiscal or regulatory, are removed.

• Protect the mutual status of member-controlled enterprises, prohibit distribution to individuals on winding-up, and prevent their conversion into commercial businesses, and defend members’ rights, ensuring that member-control is safeguarded

• Limit the growth of near monopolies and impose strict limits upon corporate lobbying

• Ensure that there is proper coverage of member-controlled enterprises within the curriculum at all educational institutions

• Provide ‘member-friendly’ laws, written in such language that will be readily understood by ordinary people

Co-operatives and mutuals - to be valued for what they deliver
last updated: February 2012 © Edgar Parnell 2012