Decision

Cabinet RESOLVED:

1.    
To note the detail of the report
and carefully consider its contents.

2.    
That as stated in the report the
emergency accommodation procurement and contract position be
urgently addressed by officers to bring it within legal,
constitutional and contractual requirements.

3.    
That an external provider be
engaged to deliver additional training to Council Officers in
relation to the Council’s statutory duties under relevant
procurement legislation and the Council’s Contract Rules and
that this training is mandatory.

4.    
That Senior Officers within the
Council’s services undertake a comprehensive review of all
existing arrangements with third parties to ensure they have been
lawfully procured, and appropriate internal governance requirements
have been met.

5.    
That following that review all
service directors confirm that their service procurements are
compliant or are in the process of being rectified with clear
timelines and allocation of responsibilities where found not to be
compliant. Each service will prepare an individual report to the
Audit and Governance committee in 2026/27 to confirm service
compliance.

6.    
That following the council-wide
review of procurement practices and associated training, if an
officer’s conduct is found to have caused the Council to act
unlawfully, the Council shall carry out a thorough investigation of
the circumstances, take the necessary appropriate action to address
the issue, and implement whatever robust measures are
required.

A full report can be found
below.