LOCAL firms should be prioritised for public service contracts to boost the local economy ahead of tough times, says leader of the Labour group councillor Jim Grant.

The subject of public services was discussed while chiefs at Business West met the shadow international trade secretary Barry Gardiner MP on a visit to Swindon.

The MP for Brent North came to talk about how the local economy could be made more resilient ahead of various challenges.

Brexit and the news that Honda plans to close the plant in South Marston, with a minimum loss of around 3,500 jobs, were the main issues hanging over leaders.

Mr Grant spoke to the shadow secretary about the party’s community wealth building policy which encourages authorities to keep contracts local.

He told the Adver:”We need to try and prioritise local firms, making sure work would be kept in Swindon, going to local workers so that money is then being spent in the Swindon economy.

“In the council we have had a history of giving contracts to big companies Capita, like IT, and various other commissioning projects.

"For example, they brought in lots of people from Southampton who were paid the pages.

“It boosted Southampton’s local economy, but it did nothing for Swindon.They were arguably taking work away from local Swindon businesses.

“The fall out from Honda means all those people who aren’t working and spending in Swindon that will have an affect on all the shops and retail outlets.”

The 2012 Social Value act encourages local authorities to take economic and social factors into consideration when outsourcing public services.

Matt Griffith, director of policy at Business West, said: “At such a crucial point in the Brexit timeline, the Shadow Minister’s visit to Swindon led to some fruitful discussions on the economic health of the region.

“As the voice of business in Swindon and Wiltshire, we were able to give Mr Gardiner a comprehensive overview and real-life examples of business sentiment on the ground.”