Councils should add social value to contracts says firm

Local government contractor Willmott Dixon has called on councils to put more emphasis on social value in procurement to boost local skills.

A report published by the firm today, entitled Transforming Communities, says local authorities can use the new Social Value Act to ensure construction and housing repair contracts deliver extra value to local communities.

The new legislation came into force on 31 January and applies across the public sector.

‘The Social Value Act gives public procurers real teeth when considering who to partner with,’ said managing director of Willmott Dixon Partnerships, Mick Williamson.

‘It will enable them to use the procurement process to select a partner who can add value by helping to address the wider needs of a local community,’ he added.

‘We also think clients should measure contractors against commitments they make in the tendering stage, and hold them to task.’

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