Most of the partyâ s money is from grants made by the retail co-operative societies , and from the fee charged for managing the political affairs of Co-operatives UK , formerly known as the Co-operative Union . The majority of the Party 's income comes from grants made by the retail co-operative societies of the UK , and from fees received for managing the political affairs of Co-operatives UK , formerly known as the Co-operative Union , an organization linking all co-operatives operating in the UK .