§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to encourage(a) his Department, (b) other Government Departments and (c) local government to increase their purchasing from the social enterprise sector. [119163]
§ Maria EagleThe Department encourages bids from social enterprises and social firms, especially in the area of the provision of services to help those disadvantaged in the labour market into work.
Social firms have been particularly successful in the delivery of Workstep services to people with disabilities. In arranging these contracts we have worked closely with a number of local authorities.
Promotion of social enterprises is a DTI initiative.