“What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to assist local authorities in using public procurement to help create economic growth.”
Asked by
Ben Coleman
Answering Minister
the Minister for the Cabinet Office
Answer from Hansard
The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Georgia Gould)
I welcome the House’s continuing passion for procurement, and my hon. Friend has helped to lead the way in this area at Hammersmith and Fulham council. I have seen how much energy there is in local government to use procurement to deliver jobs and growth. The Government are working on plans to allow local authorities to reserve contracts for local employers. Public procurement can be a key tool in driving growth and supporting businesses across the economy. Our new national procurement policy statement looks to maximise spend with small businesses and asks contracting authorities to work collaboratively on local and regional growth plans.