Fife Council pledges to "Buy Social"

Fife Council has signed up to Social Enterprise Scotland’s "Buy Social" pledge.

Councillors Kathleen Leslie and Altany Craik proposed the move which received unanimous cross party support at the last Full Council meeting.

And the council has now committed to promote and support the Kingdom's local social enterprises and adopt them in the council’s procurement processes.

Cllr Leslie explained why the "buy social" pledge is so important to a healthy economy: "Social enterprises are vital to our local and national economy as they foster an ecosystem that nurtures and supports positive impacts in our local communities.

"This is a really important move for Fife and I'm delighted that we've made this commitment."

Social Enterprise Scotland brings together private businesses, small and medium sized enterprises, academic institutions and the public sector, bringing social enterprises into their direct and indirect supply chains.

The pledge covers five key areas including:

• recognising fair work
• a commitment to Net Zero Policy,
• procurement
• prompt payment and
• positive impact – a commitment to report annual spend with social enterprises.

Added Cllr Craik: "Fife is now joining other local authorities and Scotland Excel who have already adopted and signed up to the "buy social" pledge.

"I'm looking forward to the many benefits this commitment will bring to the Kingdom's economy."

Jamie Lawson, Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Manager at Social Enterprise Scotland said: "We’re delighted to welcome Fife Council as the latest local authority to sign up to the Buy Social Pledge.

"By choosing to support social enterprises through procurement, Fife Council is helping to deliver real social value for communities while backing businesses that put people and planet first.

"We hope this leadership encourages other councils across Scotland to recognise the potential of social enterprise in creating more inclusive and sustainable local economies.”