Local Government: Procurement
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what safeguards will be put in place to ensure local authority autonomy is maintained when procurement functions are undertaken at a regional level.
Answered by Alison McGovern
The Procurement Act 2023 reformed the rules that govern public procurement, replacing the old bureaucratic and process-driven EU regime. Supported by greater transparency and a bespoke approach to procurement, the Act provides greater flexibility for buyers to design their procurement processes and create more opportunities to negotiate with suppliers. Procurement is subject to scrutiny at a strategic level by Overview and Scrutiny Committees and Audit Committees. Membership of these committees is primarily drawn from councillors of constituent authorities who will understand the needs of their areas best.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →