Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to the speech made by the Minister for the Cabinet Office of 25 June 2018 to Reform, when he plans to bring forward legislative proposals to extend the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2013 to ensure that procurements evaluate social value; and whether he plans to consult charities and social enterprises before bringing forward such proposals.

The government remains committed to the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 and believes it can contribute to creating a diverse public services supply market and harness wider benefits for our communities.

On 25 June, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office, David Lidington announced our intention to lead by example by extending application of the Act across central government. Doing so will not require legislation. Officials from the Cabinet Office, Crown Commercial Service and Office for Civil Society, DCMS will work together to implement this policy with departments and explore further opportunities for the Act.