Labour MP Hazel Blears plans to write to minister for civil society Nick Hurd urging him to consider a statutory definition for social enterprise, after he recently confirmed that the government had no plans to introduce one.

Hurd had hinted at a statutory definition last year, in a parliamentary debate on the Public Services (Social Value) Bill where Blears called for a legal definition for social enterprise.

In response, Hurd admitted that such a definition could be needed in the future: “In terms of where legal definitions may emerge and the need for them, one has not perhaps been required up to now, although that may change.”

However, Hurd has recently confirmed, in a parliamentary question from Blears, that there are no government plans to introduce a statutory definition for social enterprise.

Blears told civilsociety.co.uk that she would be writing to Hurd to urge him to reconsider:

“I am extremely disappointed that the government have no plans for a statutory definition of social enterprise,” she said.

“Whilst I support government measures that aim to give social enterprises more opportunities to bid for contracts, without a definition there is a real danger that legitimate social enterprises will be shut out and services will be given to large companies masquerading as social enterprises.

“I know that many social enterprises want the introduction of a legal definition so that they can be reassured that they will get a fair deal from the government.”

Click here to read Vibeka Mair's in-depth analysis of the growing popularity of social enterprise.