European Law

The Council must advertise in the Official Journal of the European Commission (OJEC) if the estimated value of a contract for certain services and supplies exceeds £153,376, and for works the estimated value exceeds £3,834,411.

Best Value

Best Value is a Government led review procedure which aims to continually improve Council Services, thereby providing the residents of the Ashford Borough economic, efficient and effective services both now and in the future.

Environmental Issues

This Council is committed to the principles of Local Agenda 21 and protecting the environment.

Sustainability and Social Inclusion

Ashford Borough Council understands the negative and long lasting impact that social exclusion has on the individual, the neighbourhood and the community as a whole. It is therefore committed to delivering services that are relevant and sustainable, especially to those at most risk.

Equal Opportunities

Ashford Borough Council is striving to achieve quality services and equal opportunities for all.

Council Rules

The Council has its own Contract Procedure Rules setting out requirements for contracts to be made under competition.

For contracts estimated to exceed £150,000 A public advertisement needs to be placed in at least one local newspaper if appropriate and in one or more newspaper or journal that is likely to be read by potential suppliers. Where applicable, an advert will also be placed in the Official Journal of the European Commission (OJEC).

For contracts estimated at between £50,000 and £150,000 The Select List of Contractors should be consulted if there is a list of potential contractors for the type of works to be carried out, if not a public advertisement should be placed in any relevant trade publication and a local newspaper. Tenders will be invited from at least 4 contractors.

Contracts estimated at between £15,000 and £50,000 - The Select List of Contractors should be consulted if there is a list of potential contractors for the type of works to be carried out. Tenders will be invited from at least 2 contractors.

Contracts estimated at between £1,500 and £15,000 Contractors need to be technically competent and quotations will be sought.

Contracts for less than £1,500 in total value No tender or quotation is needed, but there must be regard for value for money.

Some of the publications that the Council has previously advertised in include: Kentish Express, Contracts Journal, Building Magazine and Municipal Journal. Adverts can also be placed in specialist publications such as, H&V News, Electrical Times, Environmental Heatlh News, Horticulture Weeks and Landscape Design.