Local Government Procurement rules
All procurement activity undertaken is done in a transparent, fair and consistent way as required by the Public Contract Regulations 2015 and World Trade Treaty Principles.
The rules the Council must follow are set out in the Council’s Constitution which acts as the ‘rule book’ that governs the processes by which the Council conducts its procurement. The rules apply to all purchases by the Council of goods, works and services. It does not apply to contracts of employment or acquisitions and disposals of land or buildings.
In order to tender or quote for contracts, suppliers will need to meet some minimum requirements for example, appropriate insurance levels, evidence of financial stability, compliance with relevant legislation and policies such as health and safety, anti-corruption, modern slavery and human trafficking etc. where appropriate.
The Council’s current rules set out the procurement route to be used to procure goods, services or works depending on the value of the contract. These are detailed below. The Council is also able to utilise Framework Agreements as an alternative way of procuring, without advertising.
Rules for Goods or Services
| Contract value | Procurement route |
|---|---|
| Below £20,000 | Evidence of value for money |
| £20,000-£50,000 | Three written quotes, including at least one local supplier. Can use SE Shared Services Portal if desired |
| £50,000-£214,904* threshold | Local Tender Process, to be advertised on SE Shared Services Portal (and Contracts Finder) |
| Above £214,904* | Above Threshold Tender, to be advertised on SE Shared Services Portal (and Contracts Finder) |
* PLEASE NOTE: Thresholds are INCLUSIVE OF VAT. Previous thresholds were EXCLUSIVE OF VAT.
Rules for Works
| Contract value | Procurement route |
|---|---|
| Below £20,000 | Evidence of value for money |
| £20,000-£100,000 | Three written quotes, including at least one local supplier. Can use SE Shared Services Portal if desired |
| £100,000-£5,372,609 threshold* | Local Tender Process, to be advertised on SE Shared Services Portal (and Contracts Finder) |
| Above £5,372,609* | Above Threshold Tender, to be advertised on SE Shared Services Portal (and Contracts Finder) |
* PLEASE NOTE: Thresholds are INCLUSIVE OF VAT. Previous thresholds were EXCLUSIVE OF VAT.
For more information about doing business with the Councils please see our How We Procure Guide.