PLC Public Sector reports:
Attempting to achieve policy goals through public procurement spend is becoming increasingly popular (for example, see OGC guidance on social, equality and green issues and a recent Private Members’ Bill). It is very difficult to argue with the concept, why shouldn’t taxpayers’ money be spent in a way that achieves the maximum possible effect? However, attempts to do so have generally fallen short of the mark, with the onus being placed on procurement officers to interpret very general guidance, rather than setting out simple steps to take or requirements to fulfil.
Two recent examples of action taken in this area suggest that lessons may not have been learnt.
(more…)