More backbench questions from this month’s full council meeting.
Cllr. Ian Williams (Ind, Oldcastle) asked whether companies providing outsourced services on BCBC’s behalf paid employees a Real Living Wage.
As of 1st April 2023, BCBC became a “Real Living Wage” accredited employer. However, Cllr. Williams said BCBC continues to outsource services to companies which do not pay the Real Living Wage (which as of April 2024 stood at £12 per hour).
Cllr. Williams believes some people would consider this to be hypocritical on the council’s part, so when will BCBC insist that companies on the procurement are Real Living Wage employers?
Joint Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr. Melanie Evans (Lab, Pencoed & Penprysg), told councillors BCBC has a socially responsible procurement strategy and delivery plan. One of the objectives is to increase the number of Real Living Wage suppliers.
While the council can survey companies on living wage accreditation when tendering contracts, they can’t reject a tender on this basis as it’s not enforceable under the law as things stand.
That law is set to change in October, so the procurement strategy will be reviewed and amended then.
