Issue - meetings

To consider the adoption of a revised Procurement Strategy and Contract Procedure Rules.

(Report attached)

RECOMMENDED that

1)         the draft Procurement Strategy for 2009-2012 attached at Appendix 1 to the report to the Committee be adopted; and

2)         the draft Contract Procedure Rules attached at Appendix 2 to the report to the Committee be adopted.

The Committee considered a draft Procurement Strategy. Members were informed that the Strategy would set out a clear framework for procurement and increase the effectiveness of the whole procurement process. The main aims were:

- to allow the Council to pay less for what it currently bought;

- to allow the Council to buy more for the same price or a lower price; and

- to improve the Council’s procurement practices.

There was some discussion as to the importance placed upon whole life costs within the Strategy. Officers confirmed that an appropriate amount of weight would be given to whole life costs but the point was made that it was just one tool amongst others that allowed the correct procurement decisions to be made.

The impact of the shared services agenda on the Strategy was also considered. Officers stated that the Strategy under consideration was a Redditch Borough Council document but that consultation over harmonisation with Bromsgrove District Council would take place at some point in the future.

RECOMMENDED that

1)         the draft Procurement Strategy for 2009-2012 attached at Appendix 1 to the report to the Committee be adopted; and

2)         the draft Contract Procedure Rules attached at Appendix 2 to the report to the Committee be adopted.