The Southwark Council Cabinet meeting on Monday 17 June 2024 addressed several significant issues, including the closure of Comber Grove Primary School, the development of a school food procurement framework, and the procurement strategy for council energy contracts.

Closure of Comber Grove Primary School

The Cabinet agreed to close Comber Grove Primary School from 31 August 2024. This decision was made following a detailed review and consultation process, as outlined in the statutory proposal and statutory notice.

School Food Procurement Framework

The Cabinet approved the procurement strategy for the development of a school food procurement framework. This framework, with an estimated value of £4 million over four years, aims to meet the required specification for school food in Southwark. The strategy will be developed in collaboration with the Get Help Buying for Schools (GHBS) part of the Department for Education (DfE).

Council Energy Contracts Procurement

The Cabinet approved the use of the LASER flexible procurement framework to administer the purchase and supply of the council’s gas and electricity for a four-year period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2029, with a possible one-year extension to 31 March 2030. The procurement strategy aims to ensure the council's energy needs are met efficiently and sustainably.

Replacement of the Enterprise Resource Planning System

The Cabinet approved the procurement strategy for the replacement of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The strategy involves procuring a fully integrated ERP solution via Crown Commercial Service (CCS) frameworks for various contracts, with an estimated maximum value of £35.7 million over ten years. This decision aims to enhance the council's operational efficiency and data management capabilities.

Appointments to Outside Bodies and Panels

The Cabinet agreed on the appointments to outside bodies and the allocation of places to panels, boards, and forums for the 2024-25 municipal year. These appointments are crucial for ensuring effective representation and governance across various community and strategic initiatives.

For more details, you can refer to the printed minutes of the meeting.