Social Value Act comes into force

The Public Services (Social Value) Act, which requires local authorities and other commissioners of public services to consider how their services can benefit people living in the local community, came into force on 31 January.

Under the new legislation, local authority procurers must now consider how they can improve the social impact of their public service contracts before they start the procurement process.

The Act also requires commissioners to consider consulting on the services to be procured. The government believes that wider consultation will not only develop stronger relationships between service providers and the authorities but will also enable people to say what they want from a particular public service. This will result in the best service for the local community. 

To view the act visit www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2012/3/enacted. For further information visit www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/news/significant-boost-social-enterprises-social-value-act-comes-force and www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/default/files/resources/Public_Services_Social_Value_Act_2012_PPN.pdf.