Cost vs. conscience in local government procurement
Learn how government authorities in Europe are handling pressure to reduce costs, whilst meeting rising expectations in responsible procurement.
We surveyed 143 local and regional procurement professionals across Europe and found:
83%
of procurement professionals confirm that cost-cutting measures supersede ESG (environmental, social and governance) objectives.
80%
say their organisation overstates its commitment to responsible procurement.
9%
of local government buyers would find their roles more rewarding if they could play a bigger part in achieving ESG goals.
Meeting ESG commitments amidst supplier scarcity, limited controls and cost pressures
Our new report examines the challenges and solutions for local government procurement teams, tasked with delivering value while compliying with regulation and controlling their spend. Download your copy to see the full findings and get practical guidance on how public sector teams can implement sustainable, audit-ready purchasing tactics that contribute to long-term financial stability.
“Beyond compliance, technology enables smarter decision-making under budget constraints. Predictive analytics allow local governments to model procurement scenarios, weighing the financial and ESG implications of different choices, such as opting for sustainable versus lowest-cost suppliers.”
— Professor Jens Roehrich, University of Bath (UK)
Download your copy and discover the full insights
Our research found:
- Reducing purchasing costs and making efficiency gains are the priorities for the next 12 months.
- Financial pressures are mounting: increased financial scrutiny, inflation, and reduced budgets are the main forces influencing off-tender purchasing decisions.
- Responsible procurement is a priority, but cost-cutting takes precedence: although implementing responsible processes is a goal, 83% of procurement professionals confirmed that cost-cutting measures supersede ESG objectives.
- The risks of a lowest-price focus are widely understood: an overwhelming majority of professionals recognise that prioritising the lowest price can increase long-term costs and may lead to unethical practices.
- Progress is stalled by practical hurdles: the most significant barriers to adopting more responsible procurement include supplier scarcity, the need for staff retraining, limited control over off-tender spending and a reliance on legacy systems.