Council adopts new Social Value Framework to maximise benefits for West Lancashire communities
West Lancashire Borough Council strengthens its commitment to delivering wider benefits for local people by introducing a new Social Value Policy and Framework.
The updated policy builds on the Council’s existing approach and reflects new national procurement rules, financial pressures facing local government and preparations for Local Government Reorganisation.
Social value is about making sure Council spending delivers wider benefits for local people and communities, alongside the services being provided. This can mean supporting local jobs and skills, improving the environment and helping communities thrive.
The Council’s current Social Value Policy was introduced in September 2023 and has helped embed social value into procurement and commissioning activities. The refreshed policy will take this a step further, strengthening the way social value is secured, monitored and delivered.
The changes follow the introduction of the Procurement Act 2023, which came into force in February 2025. The new legislation places greater emphasis on delivering wider public benefit and ensuring public money creates lasting economic, social and environmental value.
By strengthening its framework, the Council aims to make sure suppliers, contractors and partners contribute to local priorities wherever possible.
This could include:
- Providing training, mentoring and employment opportunities for residents
- Supporting local businesses and the local economy
- Delivering volunteering projects in the community
- Making environmental improvements
- Enhancing community facilities and assets
The refreshed approach may also support health and wellbeing outcomes by helping reduce inequalities, improve access to opportunities and strengthen community connections.
Councillor Neil Furey, Committee Chair for Communities and Environment, said: "We want every pound of public money spent by the Council to deliver the greatest possible benefit for our residents and communities.
"This updated Social Value Framework strengthens our ability to secure wider benefits through the services we buy, the contracts we award and the partnerships we build. It will help create opportunities for local people, support stronger communities and ensure we continue to get the best possible value from our spending."
The new policy also introduces stronger monitoring arrangements to ensure where social value commitments are achieved, they are delivered in practice and that agreed outcomes are achieved.
