Issue - meetings

A report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. This seeks approval of the Sustainable Procurement Policy 2015-19. (Key decision – reference number 3999)

(Report No.216)

(8.25 – 8.30 pm)

Councillor Alan Sitkin (Cabinet Member for Economic Development) introduced the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.216) seeking approval to the refreshed Sustainable Procurement Policy.

NOTED

1.               That the Sustainable Procurement Policy 2015-19 was a refresh of the 2011-15 policy; the key objectives and required positive outcomes of the policy were noted as detailed in the report. Councillor Sitkin expressed his thanks and appreciation to David Levy, Assistant Director Procurement.

2.               Councillor Brett requested an additional element to the social impacts detailed in paragraph 3.7 of the report – to also address social impacts by providing opportunities for companies addressing the issue of economically underprivileged groups. In addition, it was requested that a review of this element of the policy be undertaken in 12 months’ with any relevant data available being provided to Members.

3.               Councillor Stafford highlighted the financial implications of the policy as set out in section 6.1 of the report.

Alternative Options Considered: Not producing a sustainable procurement policy. This would be unusual for a public organisation and might be viewed as bad practice.

DECISION: The Cabinet

1.               agreed to approve the refreshed Sustainable Procurement Policy.

2.               Noted some of the key objectives from the policy, as follows:

·       Recommending a minimum 10% weighting for sustainability criteria in tenders;

·       Negotiating additional jobs and training opportunities in our contracts;

·       Exploring the establishment of a centrally managed pool of apprentices, enabling us to allocate apprentices to contracts;

·       Supporting small and local businesses to bid for our contracts as far as lawful and appropriate;

·       Ensuring carbon and pollution reduction was built into the design of building projects.

3.               Agreed that the social impacts of the policy be reviewed in 12 months as detailed above.

Reason: The existing policy was due for renewal. The refreshed policy would renew the Council’s commitment to economic, social and environmental responsibility. There was a preference among stakeholders for separate sustainable procurement policy documents.

(Key decision – reference number 3999)