Agenda item

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance and Resources to submit a report setting out the proposed Annual Procurement Appraisal and Framework 2020 – 2024 for consideration.

Cabinet APPROVED the new Annual Procurement Appraisal and Framework 2020 - 2024.

Dawn Garton, Director for Corporate Services introduced the report, the purpose of which was to set out the proposed Annual Procurement Appraisal and Framework 2020 – 2024 for consideration.

Mrs. Garton highlighted that the Council provided a procurement service to a number of other councils, as well as to this Council.  The Annual Procurement Appraisal and Framework, as detailed at Appendix A of the report covered key areas within the National Procurement Strategy and assessed councils against relevant principles and on their ambitions for each of the areas.  The Framework would be offered to councils to use.

Councillor Ronnie de Burle, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance and Resources commented that the Framework was an essential tool.  It would assist in following best practice, help to secure value for money, takes national guidance and applies it to council needs and priorities.  The Procurement Unit had planned a number of training sessions for officers and further work to ensure the aspirations of the Council were achieved.  The new Contract Procedure Rules would be submitted to Council on 22 July for approval. 

During discussion, the following points were noted:

·         The Council wanted to support local businesses as much as possible and the Contract  Procedure Rules governed how the Council obtained goods and services (below the tender threshold of £50k, the Council was able to approach local suppliers but the Council had to advertise its procurements above £50k and was not allowed to advantage or disadvantage local suppliers).  Consultation on procurement reform was anticipated this summer but may be delayed.  The Procurement Unit would feed into the consultation the drive for local spend and spend for small and medium business.

·         It was noted that appraisal of the Council’s procurement performance was based on current performance against the principles contained in the National Procurement Strategy.  The Council was satisfied with a number of its ratings and also had aspirations to improve others.

·         Members highlighted their support of awarding contracts to local suppliers where possible, raising the vital importance of supporting local businesses and suppliers.  This would invigorate Melton’s economy, help the community and protect the environment.  Officers must follow the rules on award of contracts (fairness, transparency equal treatment impartiality etc) but these important issues should also be taken into account, in order to secure best value for money long-term (taking into account ‘life cycle costs’ such as start up, maintenance, training, decommissioning costs), as well as environmental, social and economic benefits.

Cabinet APPROVED the new Annual Procurement Appraisal and Framework 2020 - 2024.

Reasons for the decisions

The Appraisal and Framework looks at the Key Areas within the National Procurement Strategy (2018) and assesses the Council against each principle, setting out clear commitments for the next four years.  These commitments will be reviewed on an annual basis to monitor progress, as well as any external impacts and influence.

Building on and linking with the Key Areas of the National Procurement Strategy, Appendix A also sets out how Procurement can help the Council to achieve some of their priorities, as set out within the Corporate Strategy (2020-2024).

The Appraisal and Framework seeks to find a balance between a drive for best practice, value for money and looking at how the Council can achieve increased sustainable procurement.