Social benefits should be at the forefront of government buyers’ minds, a Treasury minister has said.

Angela Eagle has called on procurement officials to encourage innovation and tackle social issues with the £150bn budget for public spending.

Speaking at the ‘Procurement Solutions’ conference in London on Tuesday, she called on social considerations to be considered at the earliest stages of the buying process, when a need was identified and a business case was made.

“Social issues should be a first thought, not an afterthought,” she told the audience at the Earls Court exhibition centre.

“The very principle of buying on a value for money basis is about taking account of the whole life cost and wider factors including social considerations, not just about buying the cheapest.  

“Innovative approaches and solutions through public procurement should be used to achieve social outcomes and objectives.

“I want procurers to be looking at imaginative options and to talk with customers and interest groups to understand what the market can provide.”

Her speech came as the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) issued advice on social procurement in their 'Buy and make a difference' pamphlet which lists the promotion of healthy eating in schools and using contractors with diverse workforces as practical examples.