Spend local - govt assesses new approach

The government says it's going to put it’s money where its mouth is and try to make sure it spends cash locally.

The Council of Ministers has given the green light to a new way of buying goods and services which will see it favour local suppliers.

From now on, it will also look to see whether other arms of government can provide services before spending public cash on outside contractors.

Treasury Minister Anne Craine says it’s a new approach that’ll be carefully overseen by both civil servants and politicians.