10 COMMENT
Social value: from policy to practice
Nicola Dibb & Jo Davis
Nicola Dibb & Jo Davis explore how meaningful social value can be delivered through the planning system in developments, to benefi t all.
WE ARE SEEKING TO PROMOTE A MINDSHIFT FROM COMPLIANCE EXERCISES AND COMPLAINTS FROM
SUPPLIERS ABOUT THE ‘COST’ OF SOCIAL VALUE
WWW.HBDONLINE.CO.UK
S
ocial value has evolved from a ‘nice- to-have’ into a fundamental pillar of planning policy, procurement, and project
delivery. For developers and contractors, this shift brings both practical and commercial implications, particularly regarding compliance with Section 106 (S106) agreements and Employment and Skills Plans (ESPs), which aim to ensure that developments directly benefi t local economies and communities. Developers who fail to discharge S106 obligations at the required stage (usually before Practical Completion in the case of the Employment and Skills Plan) could result in the development being unlawful or enforcement action being taken. It can also delay the formal approval process of planning applications. Solve Social Value (SSV) is currently helping developers and contractors plan, deliver and measure their S106 and social value commitments, and so has a unique perspective on the challenges.
The consultancy is championing the social value cause more strategically, underpinned by their belief that social value requirements should be agreed earlier, possibly even at the planning application stage. This will place the emphasis on contracting authorities to set out their area priorities and encourage developers to consult with communities at a granular, local level.
The Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 marked a turning point, requiring public bodies to consider wider social, economic, and environmental benefi ts in their commissioning. Today, this is often refl ected in Local Plans and S106 agreements with an increasing emphasis on local employment, apprenticeships, training provision, SME engagement, and community activities. For developers working directly with local authorities or public bodies (on Joint Ventures, for example), this is reinforced by the Procurement Act 2023, which sets out four objectives for public procurement, chief among
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