Westmorland and Furness Council has approved a new initiative to help ensure council spending, investment and services create the greatest possible benefit for local people and communities.
The new Social Value statement sets out how the council will use its influence as one of the area's largest employers, commissioners, landowners, investors and community leaders to support local jobs and skills, improve health and wellbeing, and strengthen environmental sustainability.
The council spends around £360 million each year on goods, works and services and employs almost 4,000 people. The refreshed approach aims to ensure there is a more focused approach to delivery of social, economic and environmental benefits alongside the services people rely on.
The Social Value statement focuses on three priorities:
- Skills, employment and economic inclusion
- Health, wellbeing and prevention
- Environmental sustainability and climate resilience
At its meeting yesterday (8 September), Cabinet also approved the development of a new Social Value Opportunities Library, which will connect businesses, suppliers and partners with local projects and initiatives where they can make a difference.
The library will provide a regularly updated list of local projects and priorities that suppliers and partners can support through council contracts and investment activity.
Examples could include apprenticeships, work experience placements, volunteering opportunities, support for community organisations, community wellbeing projects and environmental improvement schemes.
The approach builds on social value activity already taking place within Westmorland and Furness, including projects delivered alongside major infrastructure and regeneration schemes where contractors have provided additional benefits for local communities beyond their contractual commitments.
The council will also invite community groups, charities, social enterprises and other local organisations to put forward ideas and projects that could benefit from support. This will help ensure social value activity is focused on the priorities that matter most to local communities.
Councillor Jonathan Brook, Leader of Westmorland and Furness Council and Cabinet Member for Economy, said:
"This is about making every pound we spend work harder for local people and communities.
"As well as delivering services, we want our spending and investment to create opportunities, improve wellbeing, support local organisations and help tackle environmental challenges.
"When it has been developed, the Opportunities Library will help connect businesses and suppliers with local projects where they can make a real difference.”
Following Cabinet approval, officers will now develop a detailed implementation plan, with the Opportunities Library and supporting resources expected to launch in 2027.
Links to Social Value Statement and Cabinet report