The Council is committed to delivering best value for its residents in every area of service and decided to review and develop its policies in a number of areas in regard to the procurement of its goods and services, most notably the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 and the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.

The review identified 3 key areas where we should be developing our policies:

·  MBC Biodiversity and Climate Change Action Plan – including Sustainable Procurement Policy.

·  Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 – Social Value

·  Modern Slavery Statement

Therefore, the aim is to introduce new polices and revise contract approval levels to develop the procurement process.  These changes support the Council’s strategic priorities and current legislation.  In 2019, the Council declared a climate emergency and set out a commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030. For many councils, the majority of greenhouse gas emissions and cost reduction opportunities lie outside internal operations.  Using its own updated procurement frameworks, the Council can encourage and engage suppliers to develop proactive approaches to sustainability and reduce emissions and costs.

We also want to increase our social value impacts to take into account the “economic, social and environmental well-being of Maidstone Borough Council” in its procurement activity’.

Considering this, the Council would like to implement 2 new policies, and one statement as follows:

1.  Sustainable Procurement Policy

2.  Social Value Policy

3.  Modern Slavery Statement

These will ensure the internal procurement process reflects legislation, remains fit for purpose and supports sustainability and social value within Maidstone.