Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy and Resources (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Strategy and Resources seeking approval for a one year extension to the Council’s current Contract Procedures Rules (attached at Appendix A to the report).

The Council’s procurement activity was governed by its Contract Procedure Rules. Members were advised that as a result of Brexit, a new Procurement Reform Bill had been introduced, received Royal Assent in October 2023 and was now set in Law as the Procurement Act 2023 (the Act). Implementation of the Act would commence in March 2024 with an expected go live date of October 2024. As the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules would require some revision and updates following implementation of the Act it was requested that Members consider extending the next review date to February 2025.

Following the Officers’ presentation, the Chairperson proposed that the recommendation as set out in the report be agreed. This proposal was duly seconded.

In response to a question regarding events, the Commercial Manager advised that a procurement process would not normally be undertaken for an event or concession coming into the Promenade Park. However, the Council would review applications coming forward and did have very robust Terms and Conditions.

The Chairperson then moved the recommendation which was duly agreed.

RECOMMENDED that the Contract Procedure Rules attached at APPENDIX 2 to these Minutes be extended for a further year.