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 procurement of:
- goods
- works
- services
The Procurement Bill, currently passing through Parliament, will make it easier for businesses to enter public sector supply-chains and this will benefit Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs).
The UK Government have issued some guidance which sets out the Benefits for Prospective Suppliers to the Public Sector.
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