Decision

The contract with our print mail supplier is expired, as is the procurement framework.
The Returning Officer has a statutory duty to conduct a County by-election, a Borough by-election and a Town Council by-election and to advance the cost of required print mail services for two of those elections, later recharging a portion of the election costs to Surrey County Council and Haslemere Town Council.
To conduct this statutory duty, the cost of printing services is expected to be c.£7,800.
In addition, poll card and postal vote postage at cost according to prevailing Royal Mail charges.

Reasons for the decision

To meet a statutory duty to conduct by-elections, consequent to the death of a Councillor who had a seat on each of the three councils.

Alternative options considered

None - The print mail supplier is experienced in providing like services to to the Returning Officer where effective, accurate, and efficient compliance with electoral law is essential.
The Returning Officer is not required to consider alternatives re: urgency and specialism.