What action is the Cabinet Minister taking to strengthen local procurement targets across the public sector?
We are strengthening the framework for local procurement across the public sector by replacing the Wales Procurement Policy Statement (WPPS). This will, following public engagement, set clear expectations for Welsh Contracting Authorities to use procurement to support the Welsh economy, strengthen local supply chains and retain more value in Wales.
This approach supports the Programme for Government commitment to use public procurement as a driver of economic growth, including the aim to increase spend with Wales-based suppliers towards 70% and to introduce a new measure of Welsh economic value from public procurement.
The WPPS will support public bodies to improve access to public contract opportunities, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises and the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. It will also help strengthen how Welsh Contracting Authorities plan procurements, engage with the market and design proportionate opportunities, so that suppliers in Wales are better able to compete on an open, fair and transparent basis.