East Antrim Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has today launched a public consultation on a proposed Social Value Act for Northern Ireland, setting out plans to ensure public spending delivers real and lasting benefits for local people, businesses, and the environment.
Launching the consultation at the Social Enterprise APG in Stormont, Mr Dickson said:
“For too long, Northern Ireland has been the only part of the UK without social value legislation. That means millions of pounds of tax payer money are spent every year without any legal requirement to ensure it benefits the people who need it most. Public spending should be a tool to strengthen our communities, create jobs, support small businesses, and protect our environment. England, Scotland, and Wales already have laws in place to make this happen—Northern Ireland should not be left behind.”
The proposed legislation would require all public bodies to consider social value in their spending decisions, creating a fair and accountable system that ensures investment in public services also delivers wider benefits for society.
Mr Dickson continued:
“When the government spends money—whether on roads, schools, or services—it should do more than just pay for the job at hand. It should create opportunities, like apprenticeships for young people, support for small businesses, and action to protect our environment. Right now, there’s no legal duty to make sure that happens, and as a result, we’re missing chances to make a real difference with public funds.”
The 12-week consultation invites views from businesses, social enterprises, voluntary organisations, procurement specialists and the wider public to help shape the final proposals.
“This is about making sure public money works harder for everyone,” Mr Dickson added. “Other parts of the UK have already acted. Northern Ireland cannot afford to be the exception any longer. We have areal opportunity to build a system that ensures public contracts create the greatest possible impact for people and communities, and I want to hear from as many voices as possible to make sure we get it right.”
The proposed legislation is supported by research, including a 2022 study by Queen’s University Belfast and the Development Trust NI, which found that a Social Value Act would provide clarity for suppliers, strengthen the social enterprise sector, and embed a culture of positive impact in public procurement.
Urging the public to get involved, Mr Dickson concluded:
“If we want public spending to work for Northern Ireland, now is the time to act. I urge businesses, procurement specialists, social enterprises and individuals to take part in this consultation and help shape a law that will make a real difference for years to come.”
The consultation closes on 23rd April 2025. Responses can be submitted via:
📩 Online: Social Value Legislation Consultation SurveyÂ
📧Email: stewart.dickson@mla.niassembly.gov.uk
📬Post: 8 West Street, Carrickfergus, BT38 7AR
Help shape the future of public spending in Northern Ireland!
We want to hear your views on proposed Social Value legislation that would require public bodies to consider the social, economic, and environmental benefits of their spending. Your feedback will help ensure that this law works for everyone.
Take the survey now: Consultation Survey