Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:34 pm on 7 March 2023.
Diolch, Llywydd. If I go to Jenny first on the development of the statutory guidance and looking at locally sourced food, it's something that can be worked through. I don't quite understand the argument that Jenny was making, but I'm sure that the Minister will be working with local suppliers and local authorities to work through those things and to work within the statutory guidance within this Bill. It's disappointing that the Minister doesn't like targets, but we've had this conversation a couple of times, and it comes as no surprise to me, really, on that. But, when we're looking at the perversive outcomes or the unintended consequences discussing this amendment, it's more about the intended consequences of creating tens of thousands of jobs in Wales and the economy, and strong local procurement does that. And what about the desired outcome of adding tens of millions of pounds to the Welsh economy? So, I think we're probably going to have to agree to disagree on those parts.
I do welcome the Minister's comments to improve the collection of data and to give us a better reflection of the current baseline. This is something that the Government tells us is a significant barrier to measuring and therefore setting procurement targets, so any shift towards a system that would enable this in the future, perhaps even with a future Government, is also very welcome. We also welcome the commitments made through the co-operation agreement for the addition of £100,000 to £150,000-worth of funding to promote Welsh-made goods and services. We will continue to work, through the co-operation agreement, on our joint commitment to carry out detailed analysis of public sector supply chains.
I note the Minister's comments on the development of the statutory guidance and the importance of engaging with partners in collaboration in this development. I'm disappointed that the Minister does not fully recognise the opportunity, through the guidance, to give a clear signal to set a policy aim of increasing the level of public procurement of goods and services from local suppliers and businesses. So, to conclude, this Government should focus more on the positive rather than the negative impact of aspects of legislation. This is why I urge the Senedd to vote for this amendment. Diolch.