Businesses could help social enterprises deliver better public services if a Public Services Bill is passed by parliament, according to a campaigning group.
The proposed legislation would require all public sector contracts to deliver positive social, economic and environmental benefits to communities in England and Wales in the form of job creation or the reductions of carbon emissions.
According to the Social Enterprise coalition, the passing of the bill would help stimulate local communities and provide job training for young people, while encouraging better collaboration between the private and public sectors.
Peter Holbrook, chief executive of the Social Enterprise Coalition, said: “Private sector companies are not going to sit idly and watch social enterprises bid for public service contracts. The social enterprise business community needs to be open to working with the private sector because there could be a real opportunity to bring about positive change for vast numbers of people living in English and Welsh communities.”
The Social Enterprise and Social Value Bill will be put before the House of Commons by Conservative MP Chris White on 19 November.
Chris White MP said: “All parties are agreed that we need to do more to support social enterprises, voluntary organisations and socially responsible businesses. While recognising this issue is important, we also need to put forward practical ways that we can achieve this.
“This is a real opportunity to provide a timely boost for our voluntary and third sectors as well as small businesses at this difficult economic time and I hope my colleagues will support this Bill.”
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