URL: https://committeeadmin.lancaster.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1621

Decision Maker:

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose:

Content: (Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Maddocks)   Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer Governance that sought approval of the two year Procurement Strategy for the Council.   The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:     Option 1: Cabinet endorse the Procurement Strategy Option 2: Cabinet does not agree to endorse the Procurement Strategy Advantages This will guide the procurement activity at the Council, supporting corporate priorities, delivery of broader social environmental and economic benefits and allow for the adoption of the action plan contained in the procurement strategy. Improved compliance and governance as the strategy brings procurement practices in line with current legislation and reduces the risk of legal challenge, inconsistent practice and non-compliant procurement. None identified Disadvantages None identified Council will miss out on the opportunity to align its procurement strategy to its Council Plan priorities and recent legislation. Risks Some short term transition impacts to allow for training officers however this is very minor in nature. Council may be assessed as not meeting its own corporate priorities and those set out in the National Procurement Strategy and the new legislation.     The officer preferred option is Option 1. The adoption of the new Procurement Strategy Policy represents an important step in strengthening the Council’s approach to commissioning and expenditure. It provides a clear, modern framework that aligns procurement activity with the Council’s strategic priorities, including social value, climate action, community wealth?building, and financial responsibility. By embedding improved governance, transparency and value?for?money principles, the policy will support more consistent, sustainable and inclusive procurement practices across all services. Cabinet’s approval will enable the Council to fully implement these enhancements, ensuring that its procurement activity continues to deliver positive outcomes for residents, businesses and communities across the district.   Councillor Maddocks proposed, seconded by Councillor Riches:-   “That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved with the addition of the words ‘and policy’ at the end of recommendation (2).”   Councillors then voted:-   Resolved unanimously:   (1)            That Cabinet adopt the Procurement Strategy 2026 – 2028.   (2)            That delegate authority be given to the Monitoring Officer and S151 Officer to make minor amendments to ensure ongoing compliance with legislation and policy.   Officer responsible for effecting the decision:   Chief Officer Governance   Reasons for making the decision:   The decision is consistent with the Council Plan/priorities:     Council Plan Priority Policies Procurement Strategy Inclusive and Prosperous Local Economy Optimise Social Value deliverables and development of a social value procurement policy Ensure good contract management and support officers with this Maximising spend with SMEs and VCSEs Sustainable District   Inclusive and Prosperous Local Economy Optimise Social Value deliverables and development of a social value procurement policy Look to secure opportunities to enhance biodiversity Maximising spend with SMEs and VCSEs Happy and Healthy Communities   Co-operative kind and responsible Council Optimise Social Value deliverables and development of a social value procurement policy Inclusive and Prosperous Local Economy   Co-operative kind and responsible Council Compliance with the transparency requirements of Procurement Act 2023  

Date of Decision: April 7, 2026