This fully updated edition of the definitive work in this area of law deals with the recently enacted Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, changes to share capital limits, major reforms of insolvency law for societies, and the new powers and approach to the Financial Conduct Authority as their regulator. A special chapter outlines the application of the law to credit unions. The book illustrates the operation of the law by referring to the provisions of a wide range of society model rules.

Under the editorship of Ian Snaith, the new edition has been updated by a team of contributors with many years of practical experience with societies across a wide range of sectors including housing, retail, health and finance. The project has been organised and supported by Co-operatives UK, the national body that campaigns for co-operation and works to promote, develop and unite co-operative enterprises. As well as providing a complete guide for practitioners, academics and students, this continues to be a handbook for a 'self-help' movement, written in accessible language and laid out in a convenient format for all.

Contributions by: David Alcock, Diego Ballon-Ossio, Sam Coward, Ian Davis, Mike Gaskell, Cliff Mills, Jo Savage, Abbie Shelton, Catherine Simpson