Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: September 22, 2025

Purpose: To review and agree the new Contract Procedure Rules and Delegations to Officers.

Content: RESOLVED THAT:   1)     Cabinet noted the new Contract Procedure Rules as approved by Governance and Audit.   2)     To approve the proposed Scheme of Delegation for Officers relating to Contracts and Procurement at Appendix B.

Reasons for the decision: Failure to approve changes puts the Council at significant risk, with future procurement exercises potentially being unlawful, the Council being subject to Court action to enforce duties set out in the new legislation and contracts being open to challenge, with remedies to include orders to be set aside decisions or actions, award of damages etc, and may be subject to procurement investigations.

Alternative options considered: Option 1 – To decline to approve any of the proposed Scheme of Delegations detailed in Appendix B and any of the proposed Contract Procedure Rules set out in Appendix A (not recommended).   Option 2 – To approve the new Contract Procedure Rules at Appendix A; to delegate to the Monitoring Officer to make any further necessary changes to the Contract Procedure Rules if required to comply with subsequent guidance, policy and updated legislation and to approve the proposed updated Scheme of Delegation for Officers relating to Contracts at Appendix B and that the Constitution be amended accordingly.   Option 3 – Do nothing (not recommended).