West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper challenged government ministers about using procurement for the benefit of the local community.  Rosie is now challenging the local councils to spend their money to support the local economy in West Lancashire.

In reply to Rosie’s question on the benefits of local procurement the Minister replied:

“local authorities clearly have significant spending power, which should be used to drive local growth.”

MP Rosie is now calling on West Lancashire Borough Council and Lancashire County Council to spend local council taxpayers money in ways that will benefit the local economy with investment in local companies and local jobs.

Following her question to the Local Government Minister Rosie said:

“I am calling on the two local councils to be more creative in how they spend taxpayers’ money and to do so in a way that benefits the people and businesses of West Lancashire.

“In the current economic climate it is not enough to talk the talk of supporting local business and encouraging growth; they need to walk the walk.  There are other local authorities and local employers that can support local businesses.  There is no excuse why it can’t happen here in West Lancashire.”