Local government procurement decisions in England amount to approximately £40bn per year. Over 40% of all expenditure by local authorities in England is on procuring goods and services through contracts.
The National Procurement Strategy and the local government efficiency agenda have given greater impetus to the delivery of effective and innovative procurement practices, with councils leading the sector in delivering the efficiencies laid out by Gershon in 2004. However, whilst local government has a good history of successfully meeting efficiency targets, the Chancellor and central government have made clear their intention to set a much more ambitious challenge over the next few years.
Regional Centres of Excellence have researched regionally, creating a national picture of local authority spending and price benchmarking, which has revealed huge variations in the amounts that councils are being charged for the same items, up to 2,000% in some cases. Whilst variations of this magnitude are rare, significant variations are common nationwide.
To discuss the specific procurement challenges faced by local authorities in the light of such discrepancies, and to encourage a broader perspective on the potential savings to be had from improved procurement policy, Public Service Events is pleased to present Local Government Procurement 07 - Look National, Save Local, to take place at the Barbican, London, on 6th June. Bringing together some of the senior figures involved in public sector procurement, along with a selected range of influential private sector representatives, the conference will:
The National Procurement Strategy and the local government efficiency agenda have given greater impetus to the delivery of effective and innovative procurement practices, with councils leading the sector in delivering the efficiencies laid out by Gershon in 2004. However, whilst local government has a good history of successfully meeting efficiency targets, the Chancellor and central government have made clear their intention to set a much more ambitious challenge over the next few years.
Regional Centres of Excellence have researched regionally, creating a national picture of local authority spending and price benchmarking, which has revealed huge variations in the amounts that councils are being charged for the same items, up to 2,000% in some cases. Whilst variations of this magnitude are rare, significant variations are common nationwide.
To discuss the specific procurement challenges faced by local authorities in the light of such discrepancies, and to encourage a broader perspective on the potential savings to be had from improved procurement policy, Public Service Events is pleased to present Local Government Procurement 07 - Look National, Save Local, to take place at the Barbican, London, on 6th June. Bringing together some of the senior figures involved in public sector procurement, along with a selected range of influential private sector representatives, the conference will:
- Showcase the latest views and policy decisions of a range of senior officials
- Take an in-depth view on the latest policy guidance, offering support and clarification to procurement officials
- Offer local authority delegates an opportunity to network and share procurement strategies and advice
- Provide a link between local authority staff and private sector solution providers
More skill needed for arms deals
The Ministry of Defence needs to improve its negotiation skills, to get better value for money.
The Ministry of Defence needs to improve its negotiation skills, to get better value for money.
Revamped OGC is vital, says Oughton
Outgoing head of the Office of Government Commerce said it needs to have sharper teeth.
Outgoing head of the Office of Government Commerce said it needs to have sharper teeth.
OGC head to step down in March
More changes at OGC: Public Servant contributor John Oughton is to vacate chief executive post.
More changes at OGC: Public Servant contributor John Oughton is to vacate chief executive post.
HM Treasury recognises lower-value contracts portal as innovation
A new report published by HM Treasury has cited Supply2.gov.uk as an innovative tool that makes it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to bid for government contracts valued at under £100,000.
A new report published by HM Treasury has cited Supply2.gov.uk as an innovative tool that makes it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to bid for government contracts valued at under £100,000.
New guidance for councils to cut the cost of consultants
New guidance has been published which is set to transform the way councils procure consultants in a bid to cut local government's growing consultancy bill.
New guidance has been published which is set to transform the way councils procure consultants in a bid to cut local government's growing consultancy bill.
 |
 |
 |
 |