Labour group urges Dudley Council to 'spend local' amid coronavirus fallout
Dudley Council is being urged to "spend local" to ensure businesses bounce back amid coronavirus.
Labour members made the call to the Tory-led authority – urging chiefs to look at what more can be done to help traders in the borough.
But leader Councillor Patrick Harley said the Labour group needed to "catch up" on what was happening – with businesses being "championed" by the authority.
It comes as work on projects in the borough – including the West Midlands Metro extension line and the new Dudley Leisure Centre – get under way.
Councillor Keiran Casey, Labour's shadow cabinet member for procurement on the council, said: "These are very difficult times for many local businesses and many local residents are worried about impact the Covid-19 crisis has had and will continue to have on the local economy.
"That’s why I think it’s vital that as a council we look at what more can be done to ensure that local companies and local people are being used for some of the major regeneration and redevelopment projects we have coming down the line.
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"This would bring a much-needed boost to the local economy and help local businesses as they get back on their feet after the current crisis.
"It’s also vitally important that at a national level, we have a proper plan for jobs, skills and the economy from this Government, ensuring that local people and local businesses here in Dudley have all the help and support they need."
The demolition of the "eyesore" Cavendish House building has paved the way for an £82 million development including homes, student accommodation and shops.
Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the authority, said: "Labour need to catch up with what's really happening in Dudley. For a while now we have been championing local businesses and ensuring obstacles are removed to the business community that Dudley is open for business.
"Since taking control we have set up a Business Champions Group and also meet local businesses leaders on a regular basis.
"In addition we have completely revamped the tendering and procurement process making it far easier for local Dudley traders and firms to do business with the council.
"For too many years under Labour it had been difficult for local traders and small businesses to apply to work with the council. We have changed that process and opened up opportunities for our local traders."
