CPG Minutes 12/2/25

Attendees

Luke Fletcher MS (Representative)
Mark Isherwood MS
Daniel Roberts
Glenn Bowen
Bethan Webber
Casey Edwards
David Smith
Jon Parker
Wil Prichard
John Chown

Election of Chair

The group has a vacancy for the role of Chair after Vikki Howells MS joined the Welsh Government and therefore left the group.

Luke Fletcher MS was proposed as chair by Peredur Owen Griffiths MS (in writing), seconded by Mark Isherwood MS.
Buffy Williams MS was proposed as vice-chair by Luke Fletcher MS, seconded by Mark Isherwood MS.

These positions were agreed, with Daniel Roberts remaining as secretary.

International Year of Co-operatives

The group noted that 2025 is the UN International Year of Co-operatives and discussed events that are taking places across the world, the objectives of the programme and how Wales and this group can contribute.

Discussion

Glenn Bowen gave an overview of the key priorities of the group in the co-operative sector currently, including the UK Government commitment to doubling the size of the sector and the social care sector.

David Smith discussed two Co-ops and Mutuals Wales events that have taken place recently on the Law Commission’s research into co-operative development in the UK and the co-operative case for a Green New Deal. There are two events coming up, one on Robert Owen Day and one looking at co-operative responses to the 21^st century food scandal – a health time bomb.

Will Prichard represents Clynderwen & Cardiganshire Farmers Ltd, farmer owned co-operative trading across Wales, and he discussed how this and others in the rural economy and successful examples of co-operative models in Wales.

Mark Isherwood MS fully endorsed the comments from previous speakers in relation to the care of looked after children and the rural economy, and also highlighted the key role of co-operative and mutual organisations in tackling financial exclusion and suggested this as a potential future topic for a group meeting.

Jon Parker outlined some key developments in his work in co-operative development in the food industry and highlighted that although doubling the size of the sector is a positive aim, we need to make sure we are also supporting existing co-operatives. He’s had high levels of engagement and interest from mutual building societies and there is high potential. They are discussing plans for co-operative finance with the Welsh Government.

Dan confirmed that a forward work plan for the group will be developed with the new Chair and Vice Chair over the coming months and members of the meeting will be informed.

Meeting closed.