With tightened purse strings and public services under increased scrutiny, delivering genuine social value from public expenditure remains a priority. However, while many local authorities are adept at delivering positive outcomes in the community, the need for councils to collaborate with central government on issues such as infrastructure and the NHS is growing.

Steps must be taken to increase the role of place-based organisations in the commissioning of private sector contracts, especially in areas where social value is traditionally misunderstood. The key to this is the understanding of any public body of its responsibility to the place it serves. Until this connection is made, true social impact cannot be achieved.