Issue - meetings

This report seeks approval to amend the Contract Procedure Rules.

Discussion:

This report provided details of an overview of changes proposed to the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules to reduce red tape and encourage and support new and existing suppliers to the Council.

The report provided details of consideration at Cabinet on 9 July 2013 and Audit Committee on 11 July 2013, as set out in paragraphs 7 and 8 of the report respectively.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Deputy Leader, Councillor Jarrett, supported by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Rodney Chambers, proposed the recommendation set out in the report.

Decision:

The Council agreed the revised Contract Procedure Rules attached at Appendix C to the report, for inclusion within the Constitution.

Background:

This report provided an overview of changes proposed to the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules to reduce red tape and encourage and support new and existing suppliers to the Council.

It was reported that encouraging and supporting a diverse and competitive marketplace of suppliers was key to the Council delivering Best Value and supporting local businesses and development where possible.The changes proposed would be implemented in two phases during the current financial year and the first phase, relating to process and procedures, was outlined within this report.

The options of continuing to use the existing or revised procedures and processes were outlined in the report. Details of implementing eTendering software and changes to the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules were also set out. It was also noted that the proposed threshold and requirement changes had been benchmarked with members of the SE7 Group and other District and Borough Councils and were considered more aligned and proportionate to those currently adopted.

Members were advised that the Procurement Board had considered and recommended this report on 26 June 2013. The report would also be presented to the Audit Committee on 11 July 2013, prior to final consideration and approval at Full Council on 25 July 2013.

Reasons:

This decision will reduce ‘red tape’ and encourage / support new and existing Suppliers to the Council. It will also ensure that the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules and processes remain fit for purpose, reflect proportionate controls and any changes in best practise or legislation.