Our approach to procurement

The Procurement Strategy outlines our strategic approach to procuring goods, works and services, people's responsibilities, how we intend to manage procurement in the future.

It is intended to regularly review the strategy, to monitor the progress we are making and set out new actions as required.

In addition to the strategy, we have a set of procurement rules, to complement the Financial Regulations and provide guidance to all staff and Members involved with procurement across the authority.

Rules and Regulations

As a local authority, there are regulations at a national and local level that we need to follow.

National Rules

The Procurement Act 2023 is new legislation in the UK designed to modernise public procurement, making it more efficient, transparent, and accessible, particularly for small businesses. The Act aims to simplify processes, open up opportunities for SMEs and social enterprises, and increase transparency in how public money is spent. 

Council Rules

The Council has its own contract and procurement procedure rules that regulate how we conduct our business. These rules govern how procurement of different values

Spend Analysis

On average the council spends around £40 million a year with suppliers. In 2024/25 around 38%, over £15 million of our spend was with local suppliers (we define local suppliers as those with a GL postcode).

Lots of our spend is already under contract, please see our Contracts Register here.

Forward Procurement Plan

This shows potential upcoming procurement for the financial year 2025/26 and an indication of possible tendering opportunities that may be published in future.

Forward Procurement Plan 2025/26