Local work for local businesses

The home care problems and the schools PPP both appear to have a similar mentality behind them, which is hurting the local economy.

I know that the Vice-Convener was very strong on this, but it is important that local businesses are treated as viable competitors when work is put out to tender by the Comhairle.

In the case of the meals on wheels, the Comhairle should be encouraging the use of local produce, prepared locally, rather than shipping in pre-packaged, pre-processed boxes from where ever.

In the case of the schools PPP (if it goes ahead) , the work should be packaged in such a way that local contractors have the opportunity for first refusal.

Instead, in both cases the work is being framed in such a way as to actively exclude local firms from competing. Is there a mind-set that only big mainland firms can do the job properly? Or is it just thoughtlessness?

What is the point in having an economic development section in the Comhairle if the Comhairle itself tries to undermine it's activities?

Answers on a postcard to the Comhairle....