We are only a small local authority, however we are a relatively large purchaser within the district. This brief guide has been produced so that local businesses are aware of the opportunities available to them.
What does the Council Purchase?
The Council purchases some £4m worth of revenue items every year. Approximately half of this expenditure relates to blue collar services, such as refuse collection and grounds maintenance. At present, these services are undertaken by TFE Accord. This contract will run until February 2012.
The main items of other revenue expenditure are:
| IT equipment and software |
240,000 |
| Training |
37,000 |
| Books and Publications |
33,000 |
| Advertising |
155,000 |
| Printing and Stationery |
65,000 |
The Council also enters into a range of contracts for capital works. The total capital programme over the next four years is approximately £6m and comprises both building and engineering work.
How Does the Council Purchase?
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Orders below £10,000 - the bulk of the Council's day-to-day supplies and services are procured by orders of less than £10,000. The orders are awarded on the basis of three or four competitive quotations (dependent on value).
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Orders over £10,000 - formal tenders are sought over £10,000. For the majority of such tenders (mostly construction engineering contracts), the Council uses the Constructionline service to draw up its tender list. In some circumstances, the Council also uses a Special List, where there are a limited number of specialist suppliers for that particular procurement. In other cases, it uses open tendering. In such a case, a tender invitation will appear in the local press, as well as in the relevant trade journal.
Read Contract Management for further information tenders and contracts.
Cumbria Supplies
The Council is increasingly seeking to use Cumbria Supplies for its procurement. Cumbria Supplies is the purchasing arm of Cumbria County Council.
What You Can Do
If you think you supply goods and services that the Council may be interested in, you can tell us by completing the online form for selling or providing a service to the Council. Your details will be passed on to the relevant purchasing officer.
For Further Information:
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Contact: Financial Services Manager, Town Hall, Penrith CA11 7QF
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Telephone: (01768) 817817
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Email: fin.man@eden.gov.uk
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Fax: (01768) 890470
