Social Value Act Guide

The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 requires public-sector organisations in the UK, such as local councils, NHS trusts, central government departments, and housing associations, to consider social, economic, and environmental value in addition to cost when they buy goods and services.

In simple terms: Public contracts aren’t awarded on price alone. Suppliers must show how their work will create positive impact for people and the planet.

Since January 2021, central government procurement applies a mandatory minimum 10% weighting to social value in tender scoring. Sometimes more.