Council should spend more locally

MP Helen Jones doesn’t believe Warrington Borough Council spends enough with local firms.
She wants to see a “Warrington First” campaign launched, focussing on ensure that local businesses are encouraged to bid for council contracts and that more contracts are given to local firms.
The Warrington North MP (pictured) says this would be a good, early Christmas present from the council to local firms.
She said: “Small and medium sized businesses are the backbone of the local economy and it is high-time that the council did more to support Warrington businesses.
“Over the past year, I have sent several letters to the leader of the council asking him to do more to help local firms. He promised to take action but has failed to do so.
“At the moment the council only spends 38 per cent of its discretionary spend with businesses based in Warrington. Frankly, this is disgraceful and I want the council to give an early Christmas present to local businesses by committing to increasing the amount it spends with them.
“The council should lead from the front in supporting local businesses and I hope they will engage with my campaign for the benefit of Warrington’s economy.”
Last month, leader of the council Ian Marks revealed, in response to a question by Cllr Paul Kennedy, that the council spent £42 million locally – 38 per cent of its discretionary spend.
He said more than half the money was spent with small to medium sized firms.
It spends £11.2m with firms employing up to 49 people, £6.7m with firms employing 50-99 people and £6,2 million with firms employing between 100-250 people.