Public procurement and regional development: the impact of local authority expenditure on local economies.

摘要: Spatial patterns of public expenditure and government procurement have a significant impact on economic social development in localities regions across the EU. In UK, there has been particular attention given to variations spending regions and effects competitive tendering processes EU State Aid rules on regional economies (Bennet 2006; Pinch Patterson, 2000). Reimer (1999) charted the regional consequences widespread contracting out local services large national private firms during 1980s 1990s driven largely by need for greater efficiency “value money”. More recent policies affecting procurement practices appear intensified these processes. document entitled “Transforming Government Procurement” (2007), UK restated its objective to improve value money procurement. Reference is also made this document, however, principle “sustainable” that requires consideration the impact decisions targets environment including carbon emissions, levels waste, water consumption energy efficiency. These aspects add considerable complexity decision-making process may have intended (and unintended) regional economies. Interventions designed balance greater efficiency with sustainability criteria will inevitably further impacts upon spatial public procurement alter long-standing relationships between authorities and small medium-sized businesses their territories depend contracts for their survival. This paper presents findings research carried behalf the Cumbria Procurement Initiative (CPI) North West Region England. The study analyses collective spend eight Cumbrian Local Authorities (County Council and Cumbria Constabulary, six Districts Lake District National Park). Data is presented variation type purchase, size contract and geographical location. characteristics supply base are investigated using a two stage survey (postal questionnaire with selected interview follow-up). Results used show suppliers level of dependency authority contracts. Managers’ evaluation advantages and disadvantages sector presented. concludes by considering implications extent which local authorities retained capacity act support development.