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New charter would see businesses pledge support to ensure North Lincolnshire is the best place

Council News
15:24, Monday, 9th March 2020

North Lincolnshire Council is proposing to launch a new Social Value Charter, which helps suppliers and contractors to contribute towards North Lincolnshire being the best place for residents.

If approved, organisations would pledge to support measures that boost the long-term social, economic and environmental wellbeing of residents as part of their contract. These include:

  • Improving skills and enabling everyone to access education and employment
  • Championing equality of opportunity for all
  • Promoting steel produced in the UK
  • Developing sustainable local supply chains
  • Improving opportunities for people with disabilities and mental ill-health
  • Enhancing support for care leavers
  • Increasing community engagement, participation and volunteering
  • Enabling everyone to improve their health and wellbeing
  • Enhancing support for carers
  • Reducing waste and carbon emissions

As part of their contract applications, organisations would be required to set out their social value commitments, with a percentage of the overall award criteria being decided on their pledges.

North Lincolnshire Council has a successful track-record of achieving social value outcomes through its procurement agreements, including:

  • UK Steel Charter – pledge to support the UK steel industry through construction projects
  • Creating and supporting apprenticeships at a range of levels
  • Educational visits

Cllr Neil Poole, cabinet member for prosperity, said:

“This is a great opportunity for council contractors and suppliers to give something back to local communities. By committing to the Social Value Charter, organisations will be making a real difference to the lives of residents, supporting the environment, health and wellbeing, carers and industry.”

Cllr Rob Waltham, Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said:

“There is a strong message here for businesses that want access to the North Lincolnshire taxpayer pound. They must support our steel industry, create local employment and give something back to our economy.”