The Council’s Interim Monitoring Officer presented a report proposing amendments to the Council’s constitution concerning contract procedure rules.  The proposed changes had been considered at a meeting of the Governance Task Group on 14 October 2019.

A typographical error had been included in paragraph 23 of the contract procedure rules concerning standstill periods.  The paragraph should read:

“23.1   Standstill Period (for high value only)" \l 1 For all contracts tendered under the Regulations, a ten calendar day (where electronic communication is used or 15 calendar days where non-electronic communication is used) ‘standstill period’ must be observed between the decision to award and contract conclusion.   Although the Standstill period is counted in calendar days, it must end on a working day.  Authorised Officers should consult the Shared Procurement Team for advice on the specific detail which must be included in Standstill Letters under the Regulations. The Standstill period is an express requirement in the Regulations and must be followed.”

Following queries concerning the transparency of authorised signatories to enter into contracts, it was acknowledged that this could be strengthened as part of the Committee’s next review of the scheme of delegation.

Reassurance was provided that relevant officers would be trained on the updated contract procedure rules.  As part of preparing any contracts the Council enters into Brexit implications would be assessed by the Legal Services team.

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

That the amended contract procedure rules be agreed for submission to the next Full Council meeting for final approval.