Issue - items at meetings - Procurement Code of Practice - Sustainability

Report of the Interim Director of Finance & Resources (copy attached).

(1)      That the Cabinet Committee notes the principles within the revised Code of Practice outlined in Appendix 1.

(2)      That the Cabinet Committee approves and endorses the revised Code of Practice.

25.1       The Cabinet Committee considered a report of the Interim Director of Finance & Resources concerning the council’s revised Procurement Code of Practice for Sustainability (for copy see minute book).

25.2       The Lead Councillor for Sustainability explained that, as a big purchaser of goods and services, the Code of Practice demonstrated the council’s commitment to protecting the environment while growing the economy, with particular emphasis on local procurement to support local jobs.

25.3       The Cabinet Member for Central Services added that the Code of Practice would also contribute to the council’s corporate priority of making better use of public money.

25.4       The Cabinet Member for Housing commented that the Code of Practice would be used when tendering and letting the 10-year contract for repairs to and maintenance of the council’s housing stock.

25.5       Councillor Steedman welcomed the report and requested that minimum specification standards, such as those identified by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), be incorporated into the Code of Practice alongside the general principles. He also suggested that specific targets be set for the future. Alternatively, he requested that officers monitor procurement and report back to the Cabinet Committee on the actual standards reached in relation to sustainability.

25.6       The Contract Management Advisor explained that officers were encouraged to thoroughly explore the market place to identify best practice and that by setting minimum standards the council may inadvertently limit its achievements with regard to sustainable procurement.

25.7       The Chairman commented that it was important that the council led by example and should push for best practice rather than minimum expectations. She confirmed that monitoring would be carried out and that Members would be kept up to date with performance.

25.8       RESOLVED - That having considered the information and the reasons set out in the report, the Cabinet Committee accepted the following recommendations:

(1)   That the principles within the revised Code of Practice outlined in Appendix 1 be noted.

(2)   That the revised Code of Practice be endorsed and approved.