In the coming years, municipalities will face major societal challenges — from reducing poverty to accelerating the energy transition — while financial resources remain under pressure. Precisely in this context, one policy instrument deserves extra attention in the 2026 election programmes: public procurement.
What are we proposing?
The letters contain three concrete proposals for the election programmes:
1. Use municipal procurement to advance employment, sustainability and social cohesion Municipalities can use their procurement policies to achieve social objectives. Signing the Manifesto on Socially Responsible Commissioning and Procurement (MVOI) is an important first step. The next step is a concrete action plan outlining how these societal goals will be achieved through procurement.
2. Smart spending prevents costly repairs later By procuring strategically — for example through social return or circular criteria — public funds can be used more effectively. Over time, municipalities can reduce costs and strengthen their social foundations.
3. Give social enterprises a fair chance in tendering procedures
Local and social enterprises make a proven contribution to an inclusive and future‑proof economy. Municipalities can ensure that these enterprises gain fair access to public contracts through targeted approaches.
We are sharing, as examples, the letters sent to the GroenLinks group in Gouda and the VVD group in Utrecht [link].
What have we done?
To support programme committees as effectively as possible in incorporating MVOI into their election programmes, a personalised letter was drafted for each municipality and each political party. Nearly 500 unique letters were sent. This action consisted of three elements:
- For all municipalities, we mapped whether the MVOI manifesto has been signed and whether an additional action plan exists. The content of each letter was tailored accordingly.
- Where available, the actual municipal procurement volume was included; otherwise, an estimate was made based on population size.
- The tone and content of each letter were adapted per political party, based on previous election programmes, to ensure the best possible alignment.
By sending these letters, we — FNO Impact through Growth, MVO Nederland, Nevi and Social Enterprise NL — have delivered a shared message: public procurement is a key driver of social progress. It is the way to connect policy ambitions to actual spending. Acting together strengthens that message.
If you want to reinforce this message, and if you are politically active or involved as a procurement professional, we encourage you to forward the letter to relevant contacts within local party groups. This helps ensure the message reaches the right people. Because we prepared a tailored letter for each municipality and each party, you can email jorien@social-enterprise.nl, who will send you the appropriate version.