social value
Councils are currently embedding social value into procurement and strategies, focusing on community benefits and economic impact.
Islington Council's Executive approved its first Social Value Statement in September 2026, designed to embed social value into all commissioning and procurement activities, aiming to deliver benefits across five key themes. Hackney Council also awarded a new tennis facilities management contract in September 2026 with a strong focus on community participation, and a £2.2 million electrical testing contract in May 2026 included social value commitments.
Councils are also focusing on maximising community benefits from assets and projects. Kensington and Chelsea Council's Leadership Team adopted its Culture Plan for 2026-2030 in July 2026, aiming to unlock Section 106 funding for cultural initiatives. Harrow Council's Cabinet is reviewing options for maintaining and maximising community benefit from the Wealdstone Centre, while Redbridge Council is developing an economic growth strategy and exploring community wealth building.
Barking and Dagenham Council endorsed a strategy in July 2026 to transform health system partnerships with the VCFSE sector, leveraging its strengths in community engagement. Looking ahead, Merton Council will begin a new procurement exercise for stray and abandoned dog services in April 2027 and will re-tender its corporate and schools cleaning contracts expiring in March and July 2027 respectively.
Key facts
- Islington Council's Executive approved its first Social Value Statement on Thursday 17 September 2026. Source
- Hackney Council's Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee awarded a five-year tennis facilities management contract on Monday 7 September 2026. Source
- Hackney Council's Procurement Board awarded a £2.2 million contract for domestic electrical testing on Tuesday 26 May 2026. Source
- Kensington and Chelsea Council's Leadership Team adopted its Culture Plan for 2026-2030 on Wednesday 15 July 2026. Source
- Harrow Council's Cabinet is set to review a motion concerning the future community benefit of the Wealdstone Centre. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.