Issue - meetings

The officer introduced the report and gave a presentation, the slides are attached to these minutes.

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Simon stated that the ‘social value’ work is appreciated. He asked about member involvement being more proactive in terms of contract vetting. The officer explained that member involvement at the point of design was built in during the Standing Order Review. Councillor Simon explained that he was a member of that group and wanted it to go further. The Council Leader explained that the Cabinet Member for Resources is working with the Resources Director on this. Councillor Simon stated that members could look at scoring/weighting systems. He welcomed the start that had been made.

In response to a question form Councillor Treby, the officer explained that there is no forecast at this stage on how much more would go to local businesses.

Councillor Moss thanked the officer for the report and noted the balance between legal requirements and the outcomes we want. He stated that in the legislation, contracts are not supposed to be broken down in size but the Voluntary Sector have highlighted that smaller contracts are more winnable for SMEs and the Voluntary Sector. He added that larger organisations have bid writing teams. There are concerns about contracts being awarded late. He also stated that with larger integrated care boards, ‘local’ might mean larger than we think and asked whose policy (NHS or Council) takes precedence. The Council Leader stated that it would be the one that pays.

In response to a question from Councillor Blackburn, the officer confirmed that the Council property company is inside the procurement rules.

The Chair thanked the Council Leader and officer.