Decision

For the reasons set out in this report, the
Corporate Director has decided to:
1)   
Approve a 12-month extension of the contract with Public Analyst
Scientific Services Ltd. for laboratory analysis of Port Health
samples, extending the contract from 1 February 2026 to 31 January
2027.
 

Alternative options considered

Do Nothing – This option would mean
taking no action and letting the existing Public Analyst contract
lapse on 31 January 2026 without replacement. This was not
considered viable. The Council has a statutory obligation to
provide these services; ceasing to have a Public Analyst would
leave the Council unable to perform required sampling of imported
food consignments This would damage the Council’s
reputation.  Therefore, doing nothing
and allowing the service to stop was ruled out early in the
consideration process.
 
Tender a New Contract – Under this
option, the Council would initiate a new procurement process to
appoint a laboratory services provider from February 2026 onward,
instead of utilising the built-in extension. This approach was
rejected in favour of the extension. Running a full procurement
exercise would require significant time and resources and would not
be completed in time for the end of the current contract.