Labour admits Coalition law on Social Value is working so well, implementation is being expanded

At the meeting of Newcastle upon Tyne City Council last week, Cllr Greg Stone asked the responsible Labour Councillor what contracts have been let under auspices of the 2012 Public Services (Social Value) Act introduced by the Coaltion Government, and how is the implementation being monitored? Although he didn't get a direct answer, it's obvious from what was said in reply that the new law is yielding worthwhile benefits for the people of Newcasrle upon Tyne

He was told that delivering Social Value through Council contracts is a priority within Commissioning and Procurement; at a time of reducing resources it offers the City a valuable mechanism for optimising benefit for local communities and residents of the City from our existing spend.

As such, Labour is now considering Social Value in all contracts above and below the EU threshold - although only legally required to do this for contracts above the threshold.

So far, the Council's approach to Social Value has led to such benefits as; reduced C02 emissions, apprenticeships, work experience and training for local people, compliance with sustainable Fairtrade and sustainable timber policies, and the delivery of every child matters outcomes. These outcomes are being monitored through existing contract management arrangements and are being recorded within the Council's Contract Register.