Public Services (Social Value) Act 2019

*A BILL TO*

Require public authorities to consider the economic, social and environmental effects of public service contracts.

*Be in Enacted by being passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly and assented to by Her Majesty as follows:*

**Section 1: Definitions**

“The Assembly” refers to the Northern Ireland Assembly.

“Associated bodies” refers to any public body which is accountable to the assembly and is responsible for executing public services and duties.

“Extragovernmental organisations” are private contractors or companies who are not under the control of or related to the Northern Irish Assembly or direct governmental subsidisation.

**Section 2: Contracts of governmental authorities**

(1) All associated bodies of the Assembly seeking to contract or procure the services of extragovernmental organisations are mandated to consider:

(a) how what is proposed to be procured might improve the economic, social and environmental well-being of the relevant area, and

(b) how, in conducting the process of procurement, it might act with a view to securing that improvement.

(c) the matters that are relevant to what is proposed to be procured and, in doing so, must consider the extent to which it is proportionate in all the circumstances to take those matters into account.

**Section 3: Financial provisions**

There is to be paid out of money provided by Parliament any expenditure incurred in consequence of this Act by a Minister of the Crown, government department or other public authority.

**Section 4: Commencement and Title**

(1) This act shall extend across all of Northern Ireland.

(2) This act shall come into force immediately after receiving Royal Assent.

(3) This act may be cited as the Public Services (Social Value) Act.

**This Bill was written by the Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs,** u/ka4bi **MLA MBE on behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party.**