‘Unique’ legislation could require public bodies to support local economies

Health boards, councils and other public bodies could be required to act to help boost local economies under first-of-its-kind legislation.

The Scottish Government has introduced a “unique” Bill at Holyrood which if passed would require public bodies to take forward measures in support of their local economy.

The Community Wealth Building Bill could require such bodies to buy more goods and services from local companies.

Other measures which could be supported in the legislation would be greater promotion of employee-owned businesses, co-operatives and social enterprises, and action to promote fair work practices such as paying staff the real living wage.

Speaking as the proposed legislation was published, investment minister Tom Arthur said: “To create jobs and support thriving communities we want to ensure that more money spent in Scotland stays in Scotland.

“This unique legislation will help to increase investment in local economies so that they become fairer, greener and more prosperous.”

The minister was speaking as he visited Greencity Wholefoods – which describes itself as being a “wholesaler of ethically-sourced food and drink” – in Glasgow.

Mr Arthur said: “I visited Greencity Wholefoods to highlight how supporting practices such as paying the real living wage and being a workers’ co-operative benefits the economy and helps to address wealth inequalities.”