§ Linda PerhamTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what guidance he has given to local authorities on ethical procurement. [120158]
§ Keith HillLocal authorities are independent and autonomous and responsible within the law for making their own decisions on procurement matters. In doing so, they will no doubt consider the case for ethical procurement on its merits, consistent with the EU Procurement Directives, domestic law including the duty of best value. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister set out views on the use of social clauses in contracting in Annex C of Circular 03/2003, "Local Government Act 1999: Part 1—Best Value and Performance Improvement".