Development of new procurement bill gathers momentum
Scottish Government invites buyers and suppliers to contribute ideas for the Sustainable Procurement Bill.
The Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure and Capital Investment, Alex Neil, has confirmed the government's intention to introduce a Sustainable Procurement Bill to further improve Scotland's public procurement system.
A period of informal consultation on what should be included in the bill is currently underway. This provides an opportunity for all stakeholders - buyers and suppliers - to propose what they would like to see included in the Bill and, equally importantly, what they believe should not be included.
The purpose of the Sustainable Procurement Bill is to provide a clear legislative framework for procurement decisions that support social, economic and environmental benefits. The bill will be framed around EU procurement law which is currently under review.
Scotland Excel has been contributing to discussions on the new Sustainable Procurement Bill through the Scottish Government's Policy Forum, and is developing plans to facilitate a response to the consultation on behalf of the local government sector.
Billy Murray, Scotland Excel's Procurement Development Manager represents the local government sector at these meetings alongside Ashley Gould, Head of Procurement at Highland Council and John Cosgrove, Procurement and Supplies Manager at Fife Council.
Further information about public sector procurement and the consultation is available on the Scottish Government website.