A Bradford-born business chief is at the centre of a new national initiative to help new co-operatives deliver public services.
It comes as austerity cuts place pressure on local authorities and as Prime Minister David Cameron wants to encourage more community responsibility through the Big Society.
The Co-operative Group, headed by Peter Marks, has helped set up Public Service Mutuals to provide a one-stop shop offering advice and support on alternative public service delivery.
- Read more on this story in today's T&A
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here