A NEW champion has been appointed by Sandwell Council to ensure the millions of pounds spent by public bodies with local businesses is spent properly.

Deputy chief executive John Garrett will build stronger relationships between businesses and local authorities.

The announcement was made at the recent Social Enterprise West Midlands (SEWM) event, where 280 delegates explored the opportunities the Social Value Act presents to them.

The Social Value Act made it law for public bodies to consider how the services they buy in can improve the social and environmental wellbeing of local areas, as well as achieve value for money.

Mr Garrett said: “We have begun to work with the voluntary and community sector, the Clinical Commissioning Group and other partners to develop a shared framework for capturing social value based upon shared priorities of health and well-being, employment, anti-poverty and active citizens.”

Minister for Civil Society Nick Hurd MP added: “The Social Value Act has opened up a host of exciting and innovative social enterprise and investment opportunities.

“Every pound of taxpayers money spent has to work as hard as possible for our local communities.”