Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: September 9, 2025

Purpose: To agree to procure a framework contract for awarding local bus service contracts

Content: RESOLVED   KEY DECISION   That the Executive:   a)      Agreed to procure a Local Bus Framework Contract for a period of up to eight years as outlined in section 5 of the report.   b)   Authorised the Executive Director of Place and Economy, following consultation with the Director of Law and Governance, to approve the execution and sealing of the Local Bus Framework Contract.     Reasons for Recommendations:   •   Efficiency: Streamlines the purchasing process for both the Council and bus operators •   Cost savings: Pre-negotiated terms and conditions within the framework can lead to better pricing. •   Simplified procurement: Reduces the time and resources required to establish contracts for ongoing needs. •   Flexibility: Allows for adjustments to quantities and specific needs within the scope of the framework •   Risk management: potential risks are identified and early managed better. •   Stability: Enables the Council to respond more quickly to changes in the market to ensure network stability and prevent passenger journey patterns from being terminated.   Alternative Options Considered - To continue with the current process of procuring bus services through individual tenders increasing the time taken for both the Council and suppliers. This also does not allow enough time to respond to changes in the local bus network, where operators make changes that the Council would wish to respond to quickly, to ensure stability for the passenger. A conventional Framework contract would not allow the flexibility of the proposed Open Framework to admit new suppliers during the contract term.