The toolkit, which is available for download from the internet or on CD, aims to provide a package of information and advice for councils contracting out their services.
” The kit is really useful for councils because it brings together various pieces of support and information, but there is scope for development.“
– Alice Roberts, LGA
However, critics in industry revealed concerns that the toolkit might become out-of-date quickly with respect to rapidly changing legislation. Using the CD version of the toolkit or using the information offline may make it difficult to ensure the toolkit stays fresh and reflects what is happening in the procurement market, it has been suggested.
But Enviros consultant Jonathon Davies, who was part of team that devised the toolkit, said: “It is up-to-date as it stands today and inside it there are links to legislation websites, so users can keep themselves up-to-date with any changes.”
Development
The Local Government Association hailed the toolkit for bringing in standardisation and coherence into an area that had been lacking, but added that the idea could be developed further to make the most of existing and growing knowledge of procurement.
Alice Roberts, the LGA's executive manager for waste and recycling, who assisted with the development of the technology, said: “The kit is really useful for councils because it brings together various pieces of support and information, but there is scope for development.”
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The waste industry and local authorities are urging Defra to provide a central point of support for procurement in the waste area, which would assist the new toolkit. This would be likely to include experts on procurement who would be available to offer support.
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