The report sought approval to commence a procurement process under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 using the Competitive Dialogue procedure to procure a joint venture partner.

A joint venture partner was required to enable the Council to further its asset development programme.

The Council’s Commercial Manager, Mr Leslie, provided a presentation for Members’ information.

Cllr Mrs McKinlay MOVED and Cllr Kerslake SECONDED the recommendation in the report and following a full discussion a recorded vote was requested in accordance with the Council’s procedure rules.

Cllr Hossack had left the Chamber during the debate and was therefore not eligible to vote on the item.

Members voted as follows:

FOR:  Cllrs Barrell, Bridge, Cloke, Hirst, Mrs Hones, Kerslake, McCheyne, Mrs McKinlay, Mrs Middlehurst, Mrs Murphy, Parker, Poppy, Mrs Pound, Reed, Mrs Rowlands, Ms Sanders, Mrs Slade, Trump and Wiles (19)

AGAINST:  (0)

ABSTAIN:  Cllrs Aspinell, Barrett, Chilvers, Clarke, Mrs Davies, Mrs Fulcher, Mrs Hubbard, Keeble, Mynott, Newberry and Russell (11)

The MOTION was CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED:

1. That a Competitive Dialogue Procedure under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, to procure a joint venture partner commences.

2. That the procurement documentation set out in the appendices be approved.

3. That Delegated Authority is given to the Chief Executive, after consultation with the Leader of the Council, to finalise all documentation required to support the procurement process.

(Cllr Bridge declared a non-pecuniary interest by virtue of having provided business services to one of the multi-national companies mentioned in the presentation).

Reasons for Recommendation

To commence a Competitive Dialogue Procedure under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, approval by Council is required.