Issue - meetings

This report informs Members of progress of the building materials procurement exercise through the Office of Government Commerce in partnership with Jewsons Ltd (Saint Gobain Building Distribution).

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Advisory Panel advise the Executive Member to note progress made on the implementation of the new stores procurement partnership.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:             That the advice of the Advisory Panel as set out above be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:                  To keep the Executive Member updated on progress of the building materials procurement exercise with Jewson Ltd (Saint Gobain Building Distribution).

Members considered a report, which detailed progress of the building materials procurement exercise through the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) in partnership with Jewson Ltd (Saint Gobain Building Distribution).

Officers outlined the background to the exercise, which it was explained was unique to this Authority. Approval had been given for the award of a contract to Jewson Ltd to supply building materials to the building maintenance department and to the letting of depot space to accommodate building stores at a peppercorn rent.  It was confirmed that the Building Department within Neighbourhood Services spent in the region of £1.2million per annum on general building materials. It was reported that there had been some delays in the legal agreement but this had now been agreed and work had started on the conversion of the premises.  It was confirmed that staff were now in place and it was hoped that the stores would open and operational by mid July.

Vince Thurlby, representing Jewson Ltd, stated that a number of Local Authorities were interested in forming similar partnerships. He confirmed that the partnership would cut down on administration and paperwork and it was hoped to be able to offer customers a higher level of service to suit the Authorities requirements. He also confirmed that the OGC would undertake various checks to ensure that the exercise was working well.

In answer to Members questions Vince Thurlby confirmed

• A number of local suppliers had been built into the supply chain following checks on their levels of service.
• OGC had certain environmental requirements regarding materials purchased.
• The agreement with Jewsons was for a 5 year period with possible extension to 7 years, this also included a 6 month termination clause.
• Prices were checked by the National Audit Office against national rates.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Advisory Panel advise the Executive Member to note progress made on the implementation of the new stores procurement partnership.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:             That the advice of the Advisory Panel as set out above be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:                  To keep the Executive Member updated on progress of the building materials procurement exercise with Jewson Ltd (Saint Gobain Building Distribution).