Companies securing large council contracts will have to employ workers from the nearby area.

The new rules adopted by Medway Council mean outside businesses will have to help the Towns’ economy to secure work.

The council contracts £230 million of services to other companies.

The new approach aims to boost Medway’s £2.8 billion economy, creating more jobs and apprentices, as well as getting more value for money.

Contracts worth more than £1 million will be expected to include at least one apprentice.

The council has also pledged to build better relationships with Medway-based companies.

The move was agreed by the council’s cabinet on Tuesday, after more than 100 Medway business people gave their views at an event in the Corn Exchange in July.

Deputy council leader Alan Jarrett said: “We want Medway Council to be the best public sector organisation for local companies to do business with.

“As a result, our new approach will benefit residents, who will get better services.

“It will also give the local economy and businesses a much-needed boost.

“We are aiming to work very closely with our suppliers, and we want to ensure there is fair competition among local companies who we talk to.

“We have also given a commitment to report back to businesses in six months, to tell them what progress we are making.”