Consideration was given to the procurement strategy update (Appendix A to the report) that detailed procurement activity during the first two quarters of the current financial year and progress made against the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) underpinning the Strategy (Appendix B to the report).

The Chair welcomed officers from the East Sussex Procurement Hub (ESPH) to the meeting who outlined the key issues within the report.  The ESPH continued to deliver the Council’s operational procurement function as well as its strategy.  During the discussion it was noted that:

Ø  savings were on target to be achieved by the year-end;

Ø  a tailored training programme was being put in place by service area; Member training was also to be arranged and had been on hold due to the regulatory changes that were expected;

Ø  the social value target was being achieved and would be monitored going forward;

Ø  a cross-Council sustainable procurement policy was being developed to include a climate change policy;

Ø  there was a 22% increase in engagement with Small and Medium Enterprises and local businesses and an in-person event would be held next year to network and disseminate procurement changes;

Ø  work would start soon on next year’s forward plan of procurement activity;

Ø  in the first instance, Members should advise Rother District Council officers of any information in relation to good procurement practices identified within the community which would be passed to the ESPH; and

Ø  it was not possible to provide a list of approved suppliers as this would assume that a level of due diligence had been undertaken and give rise to possible legal action – a list of possible suppliers could be provided.

It was noted that progress in some areas had been restricted due to the COVID pandemic, which was reflected in the setting of the targets outlined in Appendix B to the report. The half yearly review of the Procurement Strategy highlighted the developments that had been made in the first two quarters of 2022/23. Further progress was required before the targets could be met, and these would be reported to Cabinet at the end of the financial year. 

During the debate, Members queried the current position regarding the repair / replacement of the Water Feature / Fountain on Bexhill Promenade and officers agreed to investigate the status of this project and report back. 

RESOLVED: That:

1)    the updates as detailed in Appendices A and B to the report be noted; and

2)    officers report back on the current position regarding the Water Feature / Fountains on Bexhill Promenade.