This week Social Enterprise UK published Procuring for Good – a report that looks at how councils in England are using the Social Value Act. It’s the most comprehensive survey of councils’ use of the Act 2012 yet, and is based on responses to FOI requests from 306 (out of 353) English councils – an 87% response rate.
The top line findings show that:

• 1 in 3 (33%) councils in England routinely consider social value in their procurement and commissioning
• 1 in 4 (24%) councils in England have a social value policy
• Smaller District Councils are less likely to consider social value than larger councils
• Those embracing social value come from every tier of local government and from across political divides

The report is available to download from their website. They have also drafted a template letter that you can amend and send to your local MP / Councillor about the report.