Issue - meetings

To consider an update to the Audit and Governance Committee on the number of cases where, and reasons why, procurement activity has required the use of waivers and/or non-adherences (WARNs).

The Director of Finance and Customer Services and Section 151 Officer presented the Waivers and Non-Adherences (WARNs) report, the Committee were reminded that Finance Sub-Committee had the overarching responsibility, and that no serious concerns were raised when reviewed.  The Finance Sub-Committee did note that the numbers of Waivers was still high but this was attributed to legacy issues during the pandemic and health related emergency responses. 

The Audit and Governance Committee received the reports to ensure governance control.

The Committee was advised that in July, the Finance Sub-Committee formed a Working Group to retrospectively review a number of specific procurements.  Three cross-party Councillors met to meet with the Manager of the Procurement Team.  Feedback was positive and the professionalism of officers was noted.  The feedback was included within the report for assurance purposes. 

RESOLVED (Unanimously) That:

a)    the reason for 7 waivers approved between 1st June 2022 and 31st August 2022 (13 in total in 2022/23) noted; and

b)    the Finance Sub-Committee, having reviewed the Waivers for this period as part of their responsibility for the pipeline of procurement activity (on the 7th September 2022), be noted.