Issue - meetings

Report of Assistant Director Law & Governance and Monitoring Officer

Purpose of report

This report seeks the approval of Executive for the new Procurement Strategy.

Recommendations

The Executive resolves:

1.1     To approve the new Procurement Strategy.

Resolved

(1)            That the new Procurement Strategy be approved.

The Assistant Director Law & Governance and Monitoring Officer submitted a report which sought approval for the new Procurement Strategy.

Resolved

(1)          That the new Procurement Strategy be approved.

Reasons

It is recommended that the Executive approves the development and adoption of a revised Procurement Strategy aligned with the Procurement Act 2023 and emerging priorities for the next two years. A shorter strategy period should be endorsed to allow for regular review and timely updates in response to legislative changes, market developments, and corporate priorities. The updated strategy should strengthen governance, support consistent practice across departments, and embed enhanced Social Value and environmental requirements, ensuring that procurement continues to deliver high?quality outcomes and value for money for our community.

Alternative options

Option 1: Remain with current procurement strategy - Without updated guidance, officers may interpret PA23 reforms differently, leading to inconsistent approaches, delays, or poor-quality procurement documentation, which can undermine effectiveness and accountability. The existing strategy may not capture new corporate priorities around Social Value, sustainability, climate action, and carbon reduction. This limits the Council’s ability to maximise community benefits and deliver on its environmental responsibilities.

Option 2: A longer?term Procurement Strategy would not be a viable option, as it would risk becoming outdated and misaligned with the rapidly changing procurement landscape, particularly in light of the new requirements introduced by the Procurement Act 2023 and the ongoing developments in Social Value, sustainability, and environmental obligations. Legislative, technological, and market conditions are evolving at pace, and a fixed five?year strategy would lack the flexibility needed to respond to these changes effectively. A shorter strategy period ensures the Council can remain agile, regularly update its priorities, and maintain a governance framework that reflects modern best practice, emerging initiatives, and the Council’s evolving corporate objectives.