The Head of Financial Services has submitted a report to seek approval for a three year Corporate Procurement Strategy for the Council.

Cabinet is recommended to:

1.     Approve the Corporate Procurement Strategy 2022-2025.

The Head of Financial Services had submitted a report to seek approval for a three year Corporate Procurement Strategy for the council.

Councillor Ed Turner, Deputy Leader (Statutory) – Finance and Asset Management, highlighted that the Council procured c£150m of goods and services each year.  The key aims within procurement were to obtain good quality products or services at the very best value to the taxpayer and local residents in a timely way, and to meet wider corporate objectives relating to equality, sustainability, and social value.  Whilst these aspirations had been reflected in the previous strategy, they had been more firmly embedded within the processes contained in the new strategy, and were also more closely aligned with wider corporate goals.  The new strategy would benefit residents by supporting local businesses, small- and medium- sized enterprises, and social enterprises and co-operatives.  It would also enable the Council to set an example to other organisations within the city which procured goods and services.  However, it was also noted that the strategy involved a balance between social value aspirations and the need for procurement processes which delivered the core aims of providing the right product at the right time and at the right cost.

The strategy would continue to be informed by best practice.  It was also likely that it would require updating in due course to reflect procurement legislation which was going through Parliament.

Cabinet resolved to:

1.      Approve the Corporate Procurement Strategy 2022-2025.