Principles met

  • We will develop systems that enable citizens to be equal partners in designing and commissioning public services and in determining the use of public resources.
  • We will promote community-based approaches to economic development that focus on supporting the creation of jobs, social enterprises and other businesses and providing an environment for co-operative and mutual enterprises to thrive.
  • We will support the development of a framework and criteria for social value, giving substance to the concept and supporting Councils with the tools to ensure better local social and economic outcomes.
  • In exploring new ways of meeting the priority needs of our communities we will encourage models, such as co-operatives and mutuals, which give greater influence and voice to staff and users. in designing and commissioning public services and in determining the use of public resources.

For the last four years, Lewes DC has embraced a community wealth building approach to its work. This is about ensuring that local people and the local economy are placed at the centre of how the council operates and how we work with our partners. We will continue to work with key local institutions; our county council, local businesses, police and NHS partners (anchor institutions) to change procurement practices to focus on local providers where possible. We aim to provide more local employment through all of our activities. We will support the development of social enterprises and identify where additional social value can be achieved in local communities.

Local Spending

In addition to an increase from £5.3m to nearly £10m in spending with local suppliers over the last financial year, the policy is also supporting local employment, with 95% of council staff (760 full time equivalents) living in East Sussex, more than a fifth of whom live in Lewes district.

A modular housing framework has been established for the council, and other councils, to use. Local contractor, Boutique Modern have, through this framework, been able to establish a substantial program of works, using modern sustainable construction techniques.

Marine Workshops, former technical college and new site of council offices in Newhaven

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