Decision

To begin a procurement process to enter into a
new election printing contract from 1st April 2026.

Reasons for the decision

A specialist printer is required for election
printing for all scheduled elections, by-elections and other polls
to produce materials such as poll cards, ballot papers and postal
vote packs to a specification as defined in law.

Alternative options considered

The current print contract has the option to
extend for a further year, but doing this would mean the contract
would end at a time when advanced preparations for the 2027
elections are underway.