Local Government Purchasing Strategy

The National Procurement Strategy encourages all Authorities to adopt world-class procurement practices, including contract management and supplier relationship management. The stated objectives are that by 2006 all councils will be:

• Delivering better quality public services through sustainable partnerships with suppliers
  
• Utilising a diverse mix of suppliers including small firms, social enterprises, minority businesses and voluntary and community sector suppliers
  
• Obtaining greater value from all categories of procurement expenditure
  
• Achieving continuous improvement in value for money by collaborating with partners
  
• Realising economic, social and environmental benefits for their communities through procurement
  
• Stimulating new markets by using their buying power creatively

In summary, all councils are now more than ever focused on delivering better services, for better value, via innovative supply relationships and or terms of supply, while balancing their requirements to enhance their local communities.