Corporate Procurement

Restrictions

Suppliers may feel we lay down too many restrictions, however, even with contracts below £50,000, council purchasers must, unless the purchase is less than £10,000, go out for 3 quotations to evidence we are getting the best value for money.

A further point that you may need to know is that all council employees are bound by strong Codes of Practice and cannot accept any gifts or privileges from suppliers. Officers are bound to declare any interest and register any form of gifts and hospitality.

At all times the council and its purchasers must be seen to conduct themselves as beyond reproach as in this manner all suppliers will know they are receiving fair and equitable treatment.

Although we may approach suppliers to investigate their services and products and are grateful for the information they provide in understanding the market, at the point where we decide to purchase, the competitive process will be transparent and open irrespective of our previous involvement with the supplier, their size, locality or nation.