Public Spending for Public Benefit

A guide to public procurement which draws on five years engagement with policy makers and practitioners to show how local authorities and other public bodies can use their purchasing power to promote local economic development.

This report demonstrates what the UK could look like if public spending was used to meet multiple objectives in a range of service areas including food, construction, waste minimisation, youth services and back office services. The guide cites evidence from a number of public bodies who are already directing procurement spending to reduce poverty, promote social inclusion, and ultimately also save money for the public purse.