Decision details

RESOLVED that the Executive;

i)               approved in principal the procurement strategy set out in the Procurement Business case for the migration of the Councils energy buying strategy from the current framework provider (CCS – Crown Commercial Service) to the Laser framework;

ii)              recommended the Procurement Business Case to Council for approval;

iii)            noted that an updated Procurement Business Case would be reported back to Executive and Council, with proposed contract terms and timescales for implementation.

iv)            delegated authority to the Director of Resources and Assets, in consultation with the Executive Members for Finance and Contracts, to engage with framework suppliers and negotiate on future contract provision, in line with the approved procurement strategy.

Reason for Decision

The rationale to move framework suppliers is to ensure best value (energy price) for the Council. Energy prices have been rising significantly for the last eighteen months and whilst WBC have appropriate financial provision for this financial year, there is a risk to energy budget from rising costs, for the next financial year and beyond. The Energy Team have been carrying out market analysis assessments on energy pricing and the Council could reasonably be faced with an additional 50 – 60% on today’s energy prices.