A new bill on social value in public services could make it easier for the sector to win public sector contracts.

The Public Services (Social Value) Bill was proposed by Conservative MP, Chris White, to make it easier for charities and social enterprises to win public sector contracts.

The bill has received cross-party support in the House of Commons, and is currently making its way through the House of Lords.

The bill would require local authorities to consider how to improve the broader economic, social and environmental well-being of their area whenever they procure a service, and to think about how their procurement process might bring about these improvements in wellbeing.

For charities, voluntary organisations and community groups, this could mean that it becomes easier to win contracts, even in competition with private sector suppliers.

“It's an attempt to redress the balance between private companies and small community organisations," said Chris White, in an interview with Third Sector Magazine. "If you're a public sector commissioner working today, your task has been to get costs down. Your new task is to think about total community benefit,” he added.

More information

Visit the Parliament website to read a summary of the Public Services (Social Value) Bill