Public sector spending is subject to stringent controls and accountabilities.
The Government's policy is that the public sector should base its approach on value for money for the procuremnt of:
- goods
- works
- services
Also, for public contracts we have to apply the EU principals of:
- non- discrimination
- transparency
- equal treatment
- and so on
The EU procurement directives set out detailed procedures and criteria for the award of public contracts above certain thresholds.
All public sector employees must follow a procurement code of conduct.
Employees and members (local councillors) must declare their interests in existing or potential suppliers. They must also say if their connection is:
- private
- social
- domestic
- professional