Efficiencies from Procurement document launched
Scotland's progress in collaborative public spending was highlighted recently by John Swinney MSP (Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, above) as the Government's Efficiencies from Procurement document was launched in Edinburgh.
The recently announced Scottish Government draft budget for 2011/12 revealed that the Scottish Budget will be cut by £1.3 billion next year.
While £312 million savings were made in 2009/10 through collaborative procurement further savings of £61 million in 2011-12, and some £200 million over the next three years, were identified in the draft budget.
The Scottish public sector's savings through improved procurement are particularly relevant when considered in the light of Sir Philip Green's well publicised Efficiency Review for the UK Government identified several major flaws in UK Government procurement processes - particularly around a lack of collaboration.
Mr Swinney said "We can say with confidence in Scotland that we have made considerable progress in improving our procurement, and that we have already addressed, or begun to address the issues raised in Sir Philip's report. However, we must guard against complacency - it is important that the public sector continues to work together to improve still further."
The Efficiencies from Procurement document describes the collective vision and strategic objectives for procurement reform in Scotland, and outlines how it will be delivered.