Labour would tackle government free-pitching

A Labour Government would tackle the issue of free-pitching for government work, says the chairman of the party’s design and innovation task force.

“If there are criticisms about how government procures designers, we will be receptive,” says Labour MP Adam Ingram.

The Labour Party this week launched a new policy document called Vision for Growth, which covers innovation and design.

It states that Labour would “ensure that the Government uses its procurement practices to provide commitment to long-term high-quality design”, and “ensure that design is taken into account when granting trading standards”.

Design management is also mentioned. A Labour Government would expect groups to reveal spending on research, design and development. Labour would also encourage the work of the Design Council. Ingram says he is “very impressed” by the Council’s restructuring and its promotion of good design practice.