The Social Value Act has been in force since 31 January. It now requires local authorities and other public bodies to take into account economic, social and environmental wellbeing when undertaking commissioning and procurement for the first time.

This significant development has the potential to make a real difference, by encouraging all public sector commissioners to take a broader view of what can be achieved through effective commissioning. Too often, local commissioners have focused on securing the lowest price for a service, without looking at their potential for producing wider social value and impact.