Lancashire Combined Fire Authority

Resources Committee

Meeting to be held on 25 March 2026

Social Value Report: Blackpool Fire Station

Contact for further information:

Steven Brown - Director of Corporate Services – Telephone Number 01772 826804

Executive Summary

This report presents the Social Value outcomes delivered by Schofield and Sons Limited as part of the Blackpool Fire Station (Forest Gate) project. In line with the Authority’s procurement and Social Value Framework requirements, the contractor has provided a comprehensive account of the community, educational and economic benefits achieved during the scheme. The final Social Value delivery significantly exceeded the contractual target, reflecting strong local engagement, meaningful community contributions and a clear commitment to supporting young people, skills development, and local supply chains.

Recommendation

The Committee is asked to note the contents of the report.

Information

The Blackpool Fire Station (Forest Gate) project involved a full redevelopment and modernisation of the station to ensure the facilities meet current and future operational requirements. The scheme included significant refurbishment of the existing building, upgrades to operational spaces, improvements to welfare and training areas, and general estate enhancements to create a safer, more efficient and fit‑for‑purpose working environment for firefighters and support staff. The capital works were designed to extend the life of the asset, improve functionality, and ensure the station can continue to support effective emergency response within the Blackpool area.

Social Value Background

As part of the Authority’s procurement processes, major contracts include Social Value commitments to ensure that our investment delivers wider benefits for the communities we serve. This approach reflects the requirements of the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, which places a duty on public bodies to consider how the goods, services or works they buy can also improve the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the area.

In practice, this means that when we award contracts, we do not focus solely on cost or technical quality. We also consider how the supplier can contribute to wider outcomes; for example by supporting local jobs and skills, offering work experience or training opportunities, using local supply chains, or delivering community projects that add value beyond the core construction works.

These Social Value requirements are therefore built into our procurement activity from the outset, forming part of the evaluation, the contract, and the monitoring arrangements. The Social Value Report for the Blackpool Forest Gate project has been completed to demonstrate how these commitments have been delivered in line with the Authority’s expectations.

Overview of the Project and Delivery

The Blackpool Forest Gate Fire Station project generated a wide range of Social Value activities. These included:

• Extensive engagement with young people, including work experience placements, mock interviews, careers talks and not in education, employment of training (NEET) support programmes delivered in partnership with The King’s Trust and local colleges. Activities helped participants develop skills, confidence and insight into career pathways.

• Support for education and skills, including long‑term T‑Level and Architecture student placements, contributions to “Women in Construction” events, and collaboration with Preston and Fylde Colleges.

• Community enhancement projects, such as material donations and practical help for local school and community projects, refurbishment works (including courtyard improvements and restoration of a heritage station plaque), and seasonal donations to support local outreach.

• Strong local supply‑chain spend, significantly surpassing targets through the award of additional work packages to regional businesses, supporting local employment and the local economy.

• Commitment to Fair Payment, Living Wage, and wider responsible contractor practices implemented throughout the supply chain.

Summary of Social Value Benefits Achieved

The contractor exceeded the overall Social Value target of £255,950.57 by £158,951.36, delivering a total of £414,901.93 in recorded social and economic benefit. This reflects substantial additional investment in local suppliers, high‑impact educational and employability activities, and tangible improvements within the local community.

Financial Implications

Set out in the report.

Legal Implications

None.

Business Risk Implications

None.

Environmental Impact

None.

Equality and Diversity Implications

None.

Human Resource Implications

None.

Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985

List of background papers

N/a