Council wins national social value award

A North East local authority has received national recognition for using public sector spending to deliver wider economic, social and environmental benefits for its communities.

Durham County Council has won the Excellence in Social Value Award at the National GO Awards, which celebrate organisations and initiatives that are setting new standards in delivering social value through procurement.

The award recognises the council’s County Durham Pound programme, launched in 2021 to maximise the impact of public sector spending by bringing together housing providers, emergency services, education partners and other organisations.

Through the initiative, the council aims to ensure every pound spent generates measurable benefits for residents while embedding social value into service planning and delivery.

Judges praised the authority’s commitment to achieving meaningful outcomes that extend beyond contractual requirements and create lasting benefits for people, places and communities.

The recognition follows further success for Durham County Council, which was also highly commended in the Innovation in Delivering Sustainability and Social Value category at the MJ Awards, highlighting its continued leadership in socially responsible procurement.

Councillor Stephen Gray, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for transformation, efficiency, digital and procurement, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received this award.

“It goes a long way towards recognising the efforts we make as an organisation, and the work we do with our partners, in using procurement as a means to drive economic growth, improve life opportunities and strengthen our communities.

“The success of the County Durham Pound demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnership, and while we’re proud of the progress made so far, we are excited to build on this momentum.”

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