The Head of Commercial Services presented her report on revisions to the Council’s Contract Standing Orders, and asked members to note that the Council is obliged to have up to date and fit for purpose Contract Standing orders that comply with relevant legislation. Members noted that the report contained up dated Contract Standing orders that comply with the Public Contracts legislation 2015 and the Local Government Transparency Code 2015, are robust and transparent, reflect best practice and will be more straightforward for officers to use.

Members noted that there were now six procurement procedures  that officers could follow.  A Member asked about the specific circumstances that would allow the negotiated procedure without prior publication to be used. The head of Commercial Services explained that this would only be used after careful consideration and in consultation with Legal Officers in circumstances where there was only one provider bidding for a contract.

The Committee welcomed the proposed new Contract standing Orders.

RESOLVED

That Members note, approve and recommend to full Council, the proposed revisions made to the Council’s Contract Standing Orders. Changes made are in response to the implementation of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, the Local Government Transparency Code 2015 and to drive greater compliance overall with procurement governance and best practice.