Decision details

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decision:

RESOLVED:            That the recommendations from the Corporate Performance Panel, as set out below be approved:

 

In terms of preparation for the next taxi testing contract:

To approve the recommendations from the Corporate Performance Panel, as set out below.

 

In terms of preparation for the next taxi testing contract:

 

a.    The new tender to be advertised on Delta E-Sourcing and Find-A-Tender, and the Council’s own website.  Any contractor wishing to apply shall be advised to register on Delta.  Direct invitations from the Delta tender box shall not be sent.

b.    All correspondence after the competition is opened to be sent through the Delta portal.  All enquiries received outside the portal are to be redirected through Delta.

c.    To consider and discuss with the legal team, including in the Contract Standing Orders, the ability to invite bidders to tender.

d.    In line with the new Procurement Act 2023 for under threshold procurements, checks would be put in place to ensure that businesses were bona fide businesses.  Financial information could be requested, but businesses showing a loss in accounts would not be excluded from then being awarded a contract.  The reason for requiring financial information was purely to evidence that the business was legitimate. 

e.    Questions and criteria to be included in the tender process would need to be agreed with officers, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Licensing.

f.     It would not be left to the discretion of one officer if additional stations were brought forward to become testing stations after the initial contract was awarded.  Consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Licensing would be required.

 

Whilst not strictly falling within the terms of reference of the IWG, this additional recommendation was made for CPP’s consideration and supported by the Panel:

 

g.    Should an external review of Council processes be required, it should be instructed in writing by an officer independent of the originating matter and not involved in any previous internal review.

 

Reason for Decision

 

To ensure that lessons learned from the 2021 taxi testing contract process are considered during the letting of the next contract.

Publication date: 16/04/2025

Date of decision: 15/04/2025

Decided at meeting: 15/04/2025 - Cabinet

Accompanying Documents: