Decision details

The Cabinet Member with the Resources Portfolio introduced the report (previously circulated) of the Executive Director of Resources and Governance to present the Annual Procurement Plan Update to Cabinet for approval.  Cabinet was asked to consider and approve the assessment of contracts that are considered to be strategic or non-strategic.

The submitted report also updated Cabinet on the outcomes of procurement(s) previously designated as Strategic, about the decisions taken by the Procurement Board to waive the Contract Procedure Rules and on the implementation of the Procurement Act 2023 and the new e-tendering system.

Reference was made to social value, the previous social value delivered and the work that could be undertaken to engage small and medium sized businesses in the procurement process.

RESOLVED - (a) That the assessment of strategic and non-strategic contracts as presented in Appendix 1 of the submitted report be approved, and that:

(i)                  Further reports/ updates on the procurement process for those contracts designated as strategic (including decisions made by the Procurement Board) be brought to Cabinet.

(ii)                The contract award decisions for the contracts designated as non-strategic be delegated to the appropriate Directorate as listed in the plan at Appendix 1.

(iii)              The contract award decisions for the contracts designated as strategic, as listed in the plan at Appendix 1, be delegated to the Procurement Board to approve and will be reported back to Cabinet.

(b) That the contents of this report in respect of the update of strategic procurements, Procurement Board waiver decisions, and Social Value be noted.

(c) That the adoption of the Procurement Strategy 2025–2027, be approved.

REASONS – (a) In respect of strategic/non-strategic contracts, the recommendations are supported by the following reasons: -

(i)      The Contract Procedure Rules require Cabinet to approve the designation of contracts as strategic and non-strategic, and

(ii)    Contracts designated strategic are of high value and high significance in respect of the impact on residents, Health & Safety and public safety.

(iii)  The contracts designated non-strategic are of a lower value and lower significance in respect of the impact on residents and public safety.

(b)   In respect of Procurement Board waiver decisions, the recommendations are supported by the following reasons: -

(i)      In order to comply with the Contract Procedure Rules.

(ii)    To provide Cabinet with information about the decisions made by the Procurement Board.

(iii)  To supplement the reports that are taken to Cabinet about proposed spend over £100,000, that are set out in the Annual Procurement Plan and the in-year update to that report.

(c)    In respect of the Procurement Strategy 2025–2027, the recommendation is supported to ensure we have a strategy which directs and informs our procurement activity and works in line with the Procurement Act.