Purpose

The proposed commissioning supports outcomes
across the Council Plan in terms of travel and accommodation
requirements to attend meetings and events.
 

Content

Approve the commission of business travel from
an external provider for a period of up to 4 years and an estimated
value of between £300k - £350k per year.

Reasons for the decision

The decision will ensure the Council will
continue to have access to a supply of business travel. The
procurement of the contract will ensure the Council is operating in
accordance with the Procurement Act 2023.

Alternative options considered

 

1.   
Do nothing and allow the current contract to
expire.
 
This option has been excluded
as there is a requirement for the provision of business
travel.
 

 

 

2.   
Self-deliver
 
This is not a viable option; the Council has
not the capacity or capabilities to supply its own business
travel.
 
This would result in a reduced ability to
report organisation-wide spend, an inability to monitor cheapest
options, removal of additional insurance cover and support, an
increased requirement for credit card access (Council policy is to
pay by PO/invoice not card unless absolutely necessary) and
administrative burden.
 

 

 

 

3.   
Further extend existing contract
 
This is not an option under the terms of the
current contract. As ever, Council must adhere to the Procurement
Act 2023 (PA23) thus further variations (value and duration) are
not deemed easily reconcilable with the provisions set out within
PA23.