Buy local even if it costs a bit more, says Moray Councillor

Moray Council should buy its good and services locally whenever possible, according to one councillor.

John Cowe (Heldon and Laich/Independent) says making small financial savings should not outweigh the impact on local businesses and jobs if a local authority contract is lost.

His comments came during a debate today which ended with the council's corporate committee agreeing a new clause should be inserted into contracts to help access how much of tax payers' money is being spend locally.

This clause will now require the main contractor to provide information to the council about where any sub-contractors are based and how much will be spent with them.

Cllr Cowe said: "I believe that wherever possible the Moray Council spending power should be spent locally, so it is circulated locally.

"In the past I’ve seen a situation where a Moray business has lost its contract to Moray Council, basically for very little, but it meant several jobs were lost.

"We need to look at the effects if we go nationally instead of locally, because they can far outweigh any benefit to Moray Council."

Cllr Tim Eagle (Buckie, Conservative) backed the changes.

He said: "It’s not about attacking nationals. It’s more about protecting workers in Moray and encouraging more people and businesses to move here."

Cllr Sonya Warren (Buckie/SNP) stressed the changes should not become onerous for small business owners.

She said: "A lot of our businesses here are one person and a worker.

"They are working all day and having to do their paperwork in the evenings."

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