Procurement Strategy

The Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 sets out a clear statutory duty on local authorities to secure Best Value, which is defined as the continuous improvement in the performance of the authority's functions. Best Value guidance relating to the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003 states that "local authorities should have a strategy for procurement to ensure that procurement is treated as a "key component in achieving all (their) objectives".

The Act requires local Councils to maintain an appropriate balance between the quality of service, the overall cost of service delivery, and the cost of service delivery recharged to users. The Act includes various accountability and transparency requirements including a framework for proper accounting practice. It establishes strong links between the duty of continuous improvement and the reporting of performance

Effective procurement practices can influence the spend to the benefit of the Council and its citizens. The implementation of this Procurement Strategy is intended to improve the value that the Council obtains from its procurement spend.

The procurement strategy seeks to communicate the Council's vision for procurement and provide a common framework for all procurement management where greater efficiency, accessibility and flexibility are priorities.

The procurement strategy is not an end in itself, but the framework by which the Council's current aspirations and priorities can be progressed. The strategy provides a coherent approach to the adoption and application of innovative procurement practices.

Effective, efficient and innovative procurement will allow the Council to enhance goods and services provision, whilst providing Best Value and savings opportunities. Technology solutions will improve accessibility, efficiency and accuracy of information.

The Strategy aims to integrate environmental, social and economic considerations into all stages of the purchasing process with the goals of reducing any adverse impact on human health and the environment, and improving social and economic conditions

The procurement strategy recognises the Council's objectives in the context of the Scottish Government agenda on Efficient Government, and in particular, the McClelland report on procurement review of public sector procurement published in 2006.