It requires that all public bodies in England and Wales, including local authorities and NHS organisations, to consider how the services they commission and procure which are expected to cost more than the thresholds provided for in the Public Contracts Regulations might improve the social, economic and environmental well-being of the area.

The final text of the Act is focused on ensuring public spending leverages value in all three recognized domains or pillars of sustainable development, or the triple bottom line.

The report contains a number of case studies, practical guidance on how to apply the Act, and a framework and principles for measurement.

[5] A case studies which used social return on investment calculations and one which involved service users in grant award decision-making were quoted and considered "helpful" by the government.

[5] Procurement Policy Note 10/12 [6] providing advice for public sector staff was produced when the Act came into force in January 2013.