Welcoming New Powers to Back Local Businesses

I welcomed new Government reforms giving councils greater freedom to support local and UK businesses and keep public money circulating in communities like Redditch. The changes, set to come into force in early 2026, remove outdated restrictions that prevented councils from considering local economic benefit when awarding certain contracts. Serving on the Parliamentary committee scrutinising the reforms, I described them as practical, common-sense changes that will help councils back small businesses, cut red tape and strengthen local supply chains. I said the new powers will support local jobs, boost growth and deliver better value for money across Redditch and the Villages.