Summary and Background
3.This Act was introduced by Chris White MP as a Private Member’s Bill on 30 June 2010. The Act requires certain public authorities at the pre-procurement phase of procuring services to consider how what is being procured might improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of an area and how the authority might secure that improvement in the procurement process itself. There is also a requirement that authorities consider whether to consult on these matters.
4.Guidance on taking into account social and environmental issues in the context of procurement has been published: Social issues in purchasing (February 2006) and Joint note on environmental issues in purchasing (October 2003). Guidance on the best value duty, Best Value Statutory Guidance (September 2011) has been published which requires certain public authorities to consider overall value – including social value – in the provision of services.