13. Sustainability and Best Value

Sustainability

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It means improving the quality of life for people today, as well as thinking about those who will live after us.
 
The UK Government defines sustainable development as meeting four objectives at the same time, in the UK and the World as a whole:

• Social progress which recognises the needs of everyone
• Effective protection of the environment
• Prudent use of natural resources
• Maintenance of high stable levels of economic growth and employment

Local government expenditure on goods, works and services has significant economic, social and environmental impacts, and the UK Government now expects local authorities to pursue sustainable development objectives within the framework of public procurement law (EC rules) and Best Value. Further information link: http://www.defra.gov.uk/

Delivering Best Value

Best Value is all about innovation and not accepting what we have always done as being the only and necessarily right way. Best Value Reviews require authorities to apply the 4 C's to each of their functions:

• Challenging current perceptions of service requirement and methods of delivery;
• Consulting with stakeholders on how services can be delivered and improved;
• Comparing Thanet District Council with other enablers/providers to further develop best practice and benchmark cost and seeking;
• Competition for service where the market is able to most effectively meet the Council’s needs.

In procurement, best value for money is defined as “The optimum combination of whole life costs and benefits to meet the customer’s requirements”.  Contracts should not be awarded on the basis of lowest initial price alone.  There must always be an assessment of quality and the costs incurred by the authority throughout the life of the asset or contract period.
 
This approach enables sustainability and quality to be taken into account. For example, the consideration of whole life costs allows factors such as fuel efficiency and replacement cycles to be taken into account.
 
The Council is committed to encouraging a mixed range of suppliers, including local SME’s (small and medium enterprises) provided that it is consistent with other key procurement policies and ultimately, legal compliance.  Contracts and individual purchases should be assessed against Best Value for Thanet as a whole – social and community costs.
 
The corporate procurement strategy provides a framework for the Council to obtain best value in all of its procurement activities.  The strategy addresses all elements of procurement activity from identifying need, considering options, procuring the appropriate goods, services or works, effective supplier and contract management, through to the disposal of assets.  The strategy also addresses the many solutions available to the Council from establishing corporate contracts, using collaborative and consortia arrangements, through to developing long-term strategic partnerships.
 
The Procurement Strategy (version 2) is reflective of the progress and achievement of the Council to date within its procurement activity and now responds more widely to a continually changing environment.

• Introduction
• Regulatory Framework
• Project Management
• Options Appraisal
• Code of Conduct for Employees and Councillors
• Preparing to Purchase
• Kent Authorities' Contract Standing Orders and Purchasing Guide at Thanet
• Collaborative and Partnership Working
• Pre-qualification and Accreditation
• EC Procurement Regulations
• Standard Contract Documentation
• e-Procurement
• Sustainability and Best Value

E-mail: contracts@thanet.gov.uk

Tel: 01843 577111