Authority breached own rules 7 times on contracts

SEVEN breaches were uncovered at Birmingham City Council involving more than £1.6 million spent on contracts that broke the rules of procurement.

But the money has not been “wasted” a council spokesperson has said, after it was revealed that some services were contracted outside of constitutional rules.

All the breaches had occurred since June, including a contract for home-to-school travel guides for children with special educational needs.

Other non-compliant procurements were: a lettings database for the housing team, operational software, consultants, and the hiring of an interim staff member.

When procuring goods and services councils are bound by rules, including the option to waiver the rules “where it is satisfied that it is justified and legal to do so”.

Cabinet was this week presented with an update of action, including the breaches, a requirement which is intended “to promote transparency and accountability”.

A council spokesperson said: “Whilst observance to the council’s constitutional rules in how we tender and contract with suppliers is the overriding aim, there may well be exceptional situations where, for example, due to time constraints, resourcing challenges or in error the formal processes are not followed as set out.

“Although due process on these seven occasions had not been followed, the contracts are, or have been delivered and the spend has not been wasted. In respect of the breaches that have been identified, it is also noted in the Cabinet report that some of these will have taken place before the introduction of the new rules that all spend is now being monitored against.

“Where any of these contracts will require to be further renewed, the council is working to ensure they will be compliant with the constitution.”