Rotherham Council has increased the amount it spends with local suppliers and contractors, aiming to keep more money circulating in the local economy.
According to the Council's Annual Social Value Report, local spending has risen from £44.8 million in 2019/20 to £122.1 million in 2024/25. Social value commitments secured through Council contracts now total £41.6 million, with £23.7 million delivered and validated.
What is social value?
Social value means securing wider benefits for local people and communities when the Council buys goods, works and services. This includes creating jobs and apprenticeships, supporting local businesses, helping community organisations and reducing environmental impact.
Jobs and apprenticeships delivered
Since the Council introduced its Social Value Policy in 2019, contracts have helped secure or retain 454 full-time equivalent jobs for local people. The contracts have also delivered 1,169 weeks of apprenticeships, 4,985 hours of personalised career mentoring and employment support, and 728 staff hours supporting local schools and colleges.
Next steps
The report will be considered by Cabinet on Monday 14 September. Leader of Rotherham Council Cllr Chris Read said the priority now is to ensure every commitment delivers meaningful and lasting benefits for local people. Over the next year, the Council will strengthen how it monitors contracts and continue working with partners through the Rotherham Together Partnership to focus social value on the needs and priorities of Rotherham's communities.
