Procurement of works, services and supplies account for a significant proportion of the Council's expenditure. Ashford Borough Council spends around £20 million annually for the day-to-day running of its services. The bulk of the Council's £27 million three-year Capital Programme is also procured externally.

All local authorities, including Ashford Borough Council, have to adhere to European, National and local regulations when procuring works, services and/or supplies, and also in setting up Select Lists of contractors. Various officers and sections within the Council are responsible for purchasing goods and securing services. This can range from buying toilet rolls to securing large contracts, such as Domestic Waste collection.

Currently a review of procurement within the Authority is being undertaken in line with the Government's National Procurement Strategy. The following advice relates to current policies and maybe subject to change following completion of this review. This guide will be updated as appropriate.

Through central Government's electronic government agenda all local authorities are required to procure goods and services electronically by December 2005. In addition an independent reported by Sir Peter Gershon, CBE has highlighted 6.25billion pounds of savings to be made by local government of which 35% is to come from best practice procurement methodologies. As a result Ashford Borough Council is looking at ways to procure electronically with its suppliers.

e-Procurement is the ability to trade with all suppliers using email and web technology. It removes paper processes and reduces costs for both buyer and supplier, making trading simpler and more cost effective.

The process of change has already started across much of the public sector and Ashford is currently implementing technologies to Tender, Order, Purchase, Invoice and Pay for goods and services electronically.

Government Legislation

Local authorities have a responsibility to ensure Government legislation and acts are adhered to by residents and local businesses.

See our other sections for more information on:

• Disability Discrimination Act
• Environmental Health
• Gambling
• Licensing