As the UKSPF is a delegated fund, lead authorities are able to procure, commission, deliver in-house and run competitive bidding processes. While time restrictions may limit the approach undertaken, there are opportunities for some lead authorities to use procurement for wider social and economic benefit.
- There are several factors to consider and implement when lead authorities are procuring work including sustainability and the impact on net zero and added social value. Under UKSPF, lead local authorities are best placed to decide the most beneficial approaches to maximise the impact of the UKSPF interventions within their local area, whether that be through direct delivery or not. With the opportunity to undertake competitions for grant funding, commissioning and procurement activities, lead authorities must ensure that in the delivery of the fund outcomes are in line with UKSPF guidance.
- The Social Value Act 2012 states that all public bodies must consider Social Value when issuing a tender. Social Value outcomes are deemed to be offers over and above what would normally be delivered from the contract for example they might help to improve economic, social, and environmental wellbeing, through creating new jobs, protecting the environment, tackling inequality, or improving health and wellbeing.
