Agenda item

Chris Blundell introduced the report where he gave the following points:

·  He briefly explained the processes for Procurement of goods, supplies, services and waivers as laid out in the report;

·  He then spoke about the waivers approved in the 2022/23 financial year, specifically the area of Deputy Chief Executive as the number seemed high, but this was due in part to approval in areas of Housing. The majority of the waivers however, still came below £100,000;

·  The majority of waivers in 2023/24 were also under £100,000. Going forward, the Council was looking at reviewing the processes in general, especially with £100 million to spend over the capital programme within the next 4 years, in order to have more flexible processes that do not jeopardise the rules of Procurement.

Discussion raised the following points:

·  Members asked, during the financial year of 2022/23, if 45 was a high number of waivers or whether it was fairly typical. Officers replied that they were higher during the pandemic; however, this was due to rules being relaxed as the situation at the time required more flexibility due to time constraints;

·  Members brought up the issue of powers of procurement, during 2019 when the Council was acquiring pontoons, where the then Cabinet portfolio holder was asked to sign off large sums of money. Officers said that it was an issue of debate between officers, which ended when the Council looked for external, legal advice. Since the decision itself was over the sum of £100,000, it needed Cabinet approval as it was classed as a key decision.

Members agreed to note the report.