Procurement experts will help cut £16m from council’s bills

Fife Council is to bring in procurement experts to help it cut £16 million from its bills over three years.

The move is the first in a number of proposals to find new ways of working across the local authority in an effort to save around £25m.

Scotland Excel, a not-forprofit organisation which supports the public sector, will help the council reduce its spending.

Council co-leader Labour councillor David Ross said: “A Scotland Excel team will be based in our offices, alongside the council’s own procurement team, to help us make savings through better management of demand, operational control and contract reviews.

“Importantly, this joint working will build commercial acumen within council teams, which will benefit the organisation well beyond the two-year span of this project.”

Co-leader David Alexander said: “Saving 5% of our total spend on goods and services is just one way in which we are aiming to get better at what we do and cut our costs, without impacting on the level of service the public experience.

“The procurement and contract management project is part of a much wider programme of work which, over time, will change both the way the council operates and the culture of the organisation.

“It’s vital work to make us fit for the future.”

The council aims to tackle financial pressures by improving local planning and decisionmaking and providing services from fewer buildings; persuading customers to do more online and introducing mobile and flexible working for staff.

It will also cut spend on goods and services.