Agenda item

Report of the Chamberlain.

Members received a report of the Chamberlain concerning procurement and contract management.

Several Member, though noting that the scope of the review had been revised by the Projects and Procurement Sub-Committee, raised concerns over the review and the recruitment of an external consultant to undertake it, and asked for assurance that the requested allocation of funds would deliver value for money. The Chair said that he felt it was important to undertake the review and to seek outside support.

The Chamberlain said that the original proposal had been to use in-house resources, but the Projects and Procurement Sub-Committee felt that external consultants would add value to elements that could not be provided in-house.

Members noted that the Efficiency and Performance Working Party would be considering the use of consultants at an upcoming meeting, and the Town Clerk and Chief Executive said that there was a reduction in their use.

RESOLVED, that – Members approve the allocation of £150,000 from the Finance Committee contingency fund to deliver this review.