A new Public Services Bill enters the final reading in parliament today and if passed, would give charities and social enterprises an edge to compete for public sector contracts in the UK.
The bill, introduced by conservative MP Chris White, will place duty on the Secretary of State to publish a “national social enterprise strategy” to encourage engagement in social enterprise. It will also require local authorities to give greater consideration to economic, social or environmental wellbeing when entering public procurement contracts.
If the bill is passed, more taxpayers’ money will go towards solutions to social problems rather than creating private profit. Private firms will strive to deliver greater social value in order to compete for public service contracts.
The bill will affect all public bodies in England, including local authorities, government departments, National Health Service bodies, and housing associations.