Agenda item

Report of the Chamberlain.

The Committee considered a report of the Chamberlain concerning the process for approving waivers as part of the procurement process.

A Member expressed concern about the high number of waivers. He advised that it was important for officers to follow the proper processes and for waivers to be used sparingly. The Chairman of the Finance Committee reminded Members that no officer should be able to spend money on goods and services without appropriate approval and questioned whether disciplinary action should be considered where retrospective approval had had to be taken as a result of not adhering to procedures.

RESOLVED – that the following be noted:-

1.        the positive reduction in the number of waivers processed during the last financial year from 830 down to 388;

2.        the value of waivers processed for 2016/17 was £10m;

3.        the risks associated with approving waivers, in particular retrospective waivers which it was intended should cease during 2017-18; and

4.        the need to consider waiver requests presented to Spending Committees in light of the risks highlighted and to ensure that prior to approval, the waiver was the only viable route to procure a contract.