Suppliers urged to back the borough

COUNCIL chiefs say they are putting social value at the heart of the spending of every pound.

The council has adopted a new policy that means it will examine how suppliers “do their bit” for the borough, assessing them not just on value for money but also on their local job creation, local charity support and investment in the community.

Oldham Council works with nearly 6,000 suppliers and will try to use its purchasing power to bring additional benefits to local people when signing contracts.

Many of Oldham’s small businesses and voluntary organisations are also set to benefit from the new approach.

The policy recognises the contribution local suppliers make to their communities.

Councillor Jenny Harrison, the cabinet member responsible for commissioning, said: “Considering we work with several thousand suppliers in many different areas, it’s only right we ask what else they can bring to the table as well as value.

“This approach will vary for different types of suppliers — we wouldn’t expect a small local community enterprise to be in the same position as a large international company, for example — but we do expect every supplier to make a meaningful contribution.”