Scottish coalition steps up call for community benefit clauses

The introduction of community benefit clauses across all public service contracts – and a good reason given if they’re not added – is again being called for by the Scottish Social Enterprise Coalition (SSEC) in its latest manifesto.

The move by the Scottish Government would cut costs, boost jobs and help the economy, as well as being a ‘win-win’ for both social enterprises and small businesses, according to the coalition’s CEO Antonia Swinson.

‘We want Community Benefit Clauses as a default norm not an added extra, with procurement officers requiring a good reason for not including them in any appropriate public sector contract,’ said Swinson in an exclusive comment for Social Enterprise which details the key asks of the manifesto. 

SSEC’s manifesto was launched at an MSP reception on Social Enterprise Day last Thursday ahead of Scotland’s 5 May 2011 Parliamentary elections.

The manifesto, which comes after a 12-month consultation, prioritises the need for social enterprise to be a mainstream deliverer of public services. As part of procurement reform, SSEC wants to see community benefit clauses on all public service contracts, public social partnerships – official partnerships between the public and civil society sector – rolled out across Scotland and better alignment with UK government programmes tackling unemployment, most of which only cover England.

Community ownership as part of the Scottish government’s land reform agenda and a focus on social investment, including Social Impact Bonds for Scotland, are also major calls.

The MSP reception followed Scotland’s budget announcement last week, where finance minister John Swinney said Scotland would continue to invest in the civil society sector, despite the heaviest cuts to its budget since devolution.

Among the £1.3bn reduction in spending in Scotland, the Scottish Investment Fund (SIF) has been cut from £14.8m to £3m. However, this fund was always due to close in 2011. The sector’s actual ‘core grant’ is increasing by more than £3m – from £20.7 to £24m – which is seen as a victory by Swinson.

However, she added the extra funding needed to stretch further then one year to ensure social enterprises are given a real chance to deliver services.

‘John Swinney has protected the third sector budget with a 16 per cent increase from £20.7m to £24m. This is good news and a testament to his long-standing interest in our ability to deliver,’ Swinson said.

‘There is no mention of social enterprise per se, but his commitment is clear. It is also welcomed that there is to be increased spending for new homes, training opportunities, plus non-profit models for infrastructure – all of which will support the growth of the social enterprise sector.

‘Our only concern is that a one year budget makes it hard for organisations to plan long term.’

Along with the manifesto, SSEC launched a charter to rally support for the social enterprise movement in Scotland.

Encouraging MSPs to sign the charter, Liz Cameron, CEO of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce said: ‘In just a few short years social enterprise has become an increasingly important part of Scotland’s business scene. The number of social enterprises joining the Chambers of Commerce is on the rise and this exciting business movement is sparking real interest from the private sector, which is looking for opportunities to work with social enterprises.’

• SSEC also used the reception to launch its S2S trade fair, taking place on 20 April, and its second annual Social Enterprise Awards Winners will be announced in February 2011 before going on to compete in the UK Social Enterprise Awards.