8. Financial Thresholds and Processes Applying to Approval and Execution of Contracts

8.1

For contracts over the relevant EU Threshold (in force at the time), the choice of purchasing procedure to be used and the decision to proceed to advertisement must be authorised in writing by the relevant Service Manager in consultation with the Corporate and Regulatory Services Manager in advance.

8.2

When a decision is made to award a contract then the Responsible Officer must, in addition to complying with his/her general obligations under these Contract Standing Orders ensure, in particular, that:

8.2.1 the appropriate approvals have been obtained to authorise that decision; and

8.2.2 where appropriate, a standstill period complying with the EU Rules is incorporated into the final award process.

8.3

Any contracts valued at £75,000 or above shall be executed as a deed under the Council’s common seal. Officers with appropriate delegated authority may sign all other contracts. £10,000 shall be the threshold for the purposes of Regulation 8 of the Local Authority (Executive Arrangements) (Modification of Enactments and Further Provisions) (England) Order 2001.

8.4

Electronic signatures may be used in accordance with the Electronic Signature Regulations 2002 provided the sufficiency of the security arrangements has been approved by the Director of East Kent Services and Corporate and Regulatory Services Manager

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