Decision - Waivers of Contract Standing Orders

2.1       That Cabinet notes the number of waivers authorised under Contract Standing Orders 18.2 & 18.3 during financial year 2010/11.

The analysis does not suggest any failure to comply with CSOs. The decrease in      the numbers of waivers is consistent with the streamlining of the waivers authorisation and notification processes. Additional methods have been introduced to monitor any occurrences of unauthorised purchases/contracts by council officers who would have required a waiver. Overall the report demonstrates the increasing awareness and achievement of value for money      and reflects the changing nature of procurement, including the move to greater use of partnership working and collaboration.

Corporate Procurement continues to increase the profile of procurement with officers seeking advice about tendering and the use of more innovative approaches to procurement, which are allowed for within CSOs without the need        for a waiver for e.g. the increase in collaboration with neighbouring councils and        the use of consortium contracts and frameworks.

Not applicable to this report.