A full reform of the cooperatives movement is to be undertaken over the next two years.

The reform, to be carried out by the Board of Cooperative Societies, will include a revision of the rules governing the Cooperatives Central Fund to ensure available funds are used in the most effective way for the movement’s benefit.

Answering a parliamentary question by Jason Azzopardi, Economy Minister Chris Cardona said legislation on cooperatives would be strengthened. It would address the concept of social cooperative societies safeguarding the interests of vulnerable people. This was being done in consultation with all parties involved.

An educational framework was being set up to enhance understanding of the cooperatives model as an alternative to enterprise. It would be aimed at students, traders, members of the professions and the public.

Close cooperation with local councils would promote the cooperative model.

Work would be undertaken to ensure cooperatives would not be at a disadvantage vis-à-vis other enterprise models.

Consultations were under way with cooperative societies to identify disadvantages they face and steps would be taken to promote the use of cooperative models in the public service and to rein in cooperatives that did not conform to legislation.

Dr Cardona said steps would be taken to wind up liquidation cases that had been pending for years.