Issue - meetings

The Committee heard from the Section 151 Officer, who introduced the report. It was outlined that in rare circumstances the Council’s procurements were exempt from the Contract Procedure Rules. The Officer explained the exception would occur when following procedure rules would not be practical or possible. Further to this, the Section 151 Officer stated that dependent on value, either Committee, Management Team, or the Section 151 Officer could exempt the procurement from the Contract Procedure Rules, allowing for a direct award of choice. It was emphasised that the process should only be by exception, rather than rule, and a set report must be compiled for approval. The procurement exceptions, it was highlighted, were previously not reported, however, in line with audit recommendations, a Procurement Exceptions report would come to Governance and Audit Committee every 6 months for examination.

The Section 151 Officer answered a range of questions in response to the reported list of procurement exceptions granted between 1 April 2024 and 30 September 2024.  In response to a question, Members were assured that clarification would be provided regarding the categorisation of a specific item on the list.

Members of the Committee emphasised the need for effective and efficient management, alongside a transparent and rigorous reporting structure for management decision-making.

The Committee concluded with the Chairman, Members, and Officers, thanking the outgoing Section 151 Officer for her work and dedication to improving the Council.

With no requirement for a vote, the report was DULY NOTED.