Important we get Contractors Framework right

1:55pm Monday 5th May 2008

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According to information I have received from officers of the council, one of the companies that has been recommended to me by officers for the new Contractors Framework is implicated in an investigation by the Office of Fair Trading. This concerns me greatly.

We must always do what is right by the town and its many thousands of council tax payers. I cannot, therefore, recommend the new Contractors Framework until more facts are available. I have therefore exercised my emergency powers to defer the item.

Also, in the light of the investigation by the Office of Fair Trading, I have also requested officers look into this investigation in detail to see if it has any implications for how the council tenders and uses contractors.

I have therefore asked officers to look afresh at the Contractors Framework to ensure that the council has the right approach to secure best value and delivers services in the most effective way possible, and also ensures stable employment within the town.

At all times we will do what is right for the borough and the people of Bolton to secure value for money. It is essential we tender and contract wisely to ensure we can deliver on the billion pounds worth of regeneration planned over the next few years and the £250 million investment the Government is making in rebuilding or refurbishing every school in Bolton.

Cllr Cliff Morris Leader of Bolton Council