At Acumen, we like to keep up-to-date with all the latest news and developments in the recycling sector. This week we were interested to hear that the Local Government Association (LGA) have requested alterations to tendering rules in England. This appeal for an overall of the system has been supported by Recycling businesses, who it is believed would benefit from increased opportunities to win council contracts.
According to the website letsrecycle.com, the current value of local authority works each year, which includes waste and recycling, stands at around £55 billion. This represents a significant amount of money which could be spent locally, with contracts being awarded to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) within the local authority areas that the work is required in.
The LGA has highlighted several benefits of introducing a new scheme. These include greater scope to award local suppliers with tenders, the power to stipulate that a living wage be paid as part of the contract and that social specifications can be made (for example – to train a set number of local workers or employ a certain amount of people living within the area).
The chairman of the LGA’s Brexit Task and Finish Group has spoken very positively about the prospect of the change to tender rules stating that: “introducing more local flexibility and easier procurement rules after Brexit would provide more community benefits and more growth opportunities for SMEs. It would also allow councils to promote local suppliers and local labour and ensure workers earn a decent wage.” It will be interesting to see if and when the alterations to the procurement system are made.
Acumen is a leading provider of Waste Management Solutions and Industrial Site Services. We also offer a 24 hour Emergency Response service with our team of experienced operatives being able to respond to a variety of incidents quickly and effectively. To find out more about our work, please get in touch today on 01977 529586.
