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<p>Further to the <a href="https://bit.ly/3gkn7lr" target="_blank">comments on the
ceramics industry</a> by my Rt. Hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
made in the House on 19 May 2020, the Government has taken unprecedented action to
support businesses, including the ceramics sector, during the outbreak of COVID-19
by introducing a range of initiatives from the opportunity to defer VAT and/or income
tax for 3 months to the Job Retention Scheme and access to government-backed financing.</p><p>Government
departments and executive agencies spend a significant sum on public procurement,
and we are aware of the vital role this will play in kick-starting the economy once
the pandemic has passed. Contracting Authorities are already required to consider
the social and environmental impacts of procurements and we intend to deliver a package
of ambitious measures, including launching a new social value model, to support the
recovery effort to ensure that Government’s huge purchasing power is used to support
communities and the local economy. The model can form a key part of the government’s
overall plan for recovery as it enables commercial teams to select policy outcomes
to:</p><ul><ul><li><p>Tackle regional inequality with new jobs and skills, including
retraining the unemployed in clean growth sectors, and helping disadvantaged communities
recover.</p></li><li><p>Promote economic growth and prosperity by supporting SMEs
and start-ups to lead or be part of government supply chains.</p></li><li><p>Support
physical and mental health and ensure those in disadvantaged groups have equal opportunity
to become part of a diverse, resilient workforce.</p></li></ul></ul><p> </p>
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