Decision

Salford City Council – Record of Decision

I Councillor Youd, Lead Member for Finance and Support Services and chairman of the Procurement Board, accept the recommendation of the Procurement Board and in exercise of the powers contained within the Council Constitution do hereby:

·     approve to award the contract forthe Salford Residents Funeral Service: as detailed in the table below:

Detail required

Answers

Title/Description of Contracted Service/Supply/Project

Salford Residents Funeral Service

Procurement Reference numbers (DN and CR number supplied by Procurement)

S1257

Name of Successful Contractor

Funeral Services Limited T/A Co-op Funeral care

Supplier Registration Number

(to be supplied by Procurement

IP030808

Proclass Classification No.

(to be completed by procurement)

120000 - Cemetery & Crematorium

Type of organisation

(to be supplied by Procurement)

Industrial & Provident Society

Status of Organisation

(to be supplied by Procurement)

Non-SME

Contract Value (£)

£165,000 per annum

Total contract value £ (including extensions)

£ 495,000 total project value

Contract Duration

36 months

Contract Start Date

01/01/2026

Contract End Date

31/12/2028

Optional Extension Period 1

24 months

Optional Extension Period 2

N/A

Who will approve each Extension Period?

Executive Director (extension < £150k)

Contact Officer (Name & number)

Lead Service Group

Place

How the contract was procured?

(to be supplied by procurement)

ITT

Framework Details (where applicable)

(procurement body, framework reference & title, start/ end date

Funding Source

Revenue Budget

Ethical Contractor (EC): Mayor’s Employment Charter

No

EC: Committed to sign The Mayor’s Employment Charter

Yes

EC: Committed to the principles outlined in the Mayor’s Employment charter

Choose an item.

EC: Accredited Living Wage Employer

No

EC: Committed to becoming Accredited Living wage Employer

Yes

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Salford Residents Funeral Service:

The Procurement Board is recommended to approve:

•      The award of contract for the provision of the Salford Residents Funeral Service to Funeral Services Limited T/A Co-op Funeralcare for the period 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028 (three-years).

•      That the Executive Director of Place is delegated authority to extend the contract beyond 2028 should this be a recommendation from Bereavement Services Managers.

The Reasons are: Continuation of Salford Residents Funeral Service originally created in 2018 and to provide a reduced fixed price funeral service for residents of Salford lower than the national average funeral.

Options considered and rejected were: None

Assessment of Risk: None

The source of funding is: No funding implications (See financial advice)

Legal Advice obtained: Yes by Tony Hatton Principal Solicitor

When commissioning contracts for the procurement of goods, services or the execution of works, the Council as a ‘contracting authority’ must comply with the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 as well as its own Contractual Standing Orders (CSO’s), Financial Regulations and the duties of Best and Social Value. In addition, the Regulations require that contracting authorities treat candidates equally and in a non-discriminatory way and act in a transparent manner, failing which the award of a contract may be subject to legal challenge.

The procurement procedure undertaken in this matter appears robust, and the appointment of the provider for this service follows an open tender process which is outlined within the body of the report, with bidders being evaluated on the most economically advantageous tender, resulting in the proposed award of the contract to Kane’s, which is compliant with the requirements of CSO’s and public procurement legislation. Undertaking the open tender exercise in the recommendation will give some comfort to the Council in ensuring that value for money is being obtained and periodically tested, with open competition maintained.

The award of the contract will commit the Council to a three-year contract with the option to extend as indicated.

Financial Advice obtained: Yes by Ethan Bestwick Finance Accountant

The Salford Residents Funeral Service provides lower funeral costs for Salford residents. This service is between the funeral directors and the residents of Salford, it has no financial impact or risk to Salford City Council. The saving comes from the funeral directors and is passed onto residents. Salford Bereavement services do not offer any reduced fees or charges in relation to this service therefore it will not have any impact on SCC finances.

Procurement Advice obtained: Yes by Daniel Cunliffe, Category Manager

This contract has been tendered using market engagement and an open competition under the Procurement Act 2023. The contract has been tendered in-line with the SCC Governance process, and the most advantageous tenderer has been selected.

HR Advice obtained: No as there are no HR implications in respect of this contract

Climate Change Implications obtained: No as there are no climate change implications in respect of this contract

Contact Officer: Dominic Clarke

Email address – Dominic.clarke@salford.gov.uk

Please delete from the bullets below any which are not relevant:

·     This matter is also subject to consideration by the Lead Member for Neighbourhoods, Environment and Community Safety                     

·     The Lead Member has been consulted and is supportive of the proposed contract.

·     The appropriate Scrutiny Committee to call-in the decision is the Community and Neighbourhoods Scrutiny Panel                  .

Signed:     Cllr J Youd        Dated:     8 December 2025.

               Lead Member

FOR DEMOCRATIC SERVICES USE ONLY:

*         This decision was published on 9 December 2025

*         This decision will come in force at 4.00 p.m. on 16 December 2025 unless it is called-in in accordance with the Decision Making Process Rules.