Issue - meetings

The Council spends around £190M each year commissioning goods, works and services. Significant changes to the regulated environment and the likelihood of increased financial pressures means now is the time for the Council to focus on how its procurement activities can make a positive improvement in supporting the local economy.

Councillor David Bellotti introduced the item by pointing out to Cabinet that the proposals were hugely different from the existing strategy.  He was determined to ensure that the community received best value.  He quoted as an example the Keynsham Regeneration project, for which the Cabinet had insisted on selecting a company with green credentials, which would engage with local businesses when sourcing its own purchases.  This had brought money into the local economy.  The basic principle he was proposing was that for any purchase under £25K, local businesses must be given the first opportunity to quote.  The principles were explained in paragraph 5 of the report.  He moved the proposals.

Councillor Paul Crossley in seconding the proposal welcomed the exciting change to procurement principles which he felt would set an example to authorities all over the country.  He congratulated Jeff Wring (Divisional Director, Risk & Assurance) for devising the new approach.

Other Cabinet members expressed their keen support for the new strategy because of its benefits to the local economy and the example it would set to other businesses.

On a motion from Councillor David Bellotti, seconded by Councillor Paul Crossley, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To ADOPT the Procurement Strategy for the period 2013 – 2017;

(2) To AGREE that the five key principles laid out in the strategy should guide all procurement activities over this timeframe; and

(3) To AGREE that the actions outlined in the strategy are to be implemented with effect from April 2013 and updates on progress will form part of the corporate performance management arrangements and also be subject to Cabinet review.