Council makes local business pledge

HARROGATE Council has promised to change the way it works to give more local businesses the chance to bid for contracts.

In future, the council must include at least one supplier from North Yorkshire or the Leeds City Region when it asks for bids for goods and services.

The promise has been enshrined in a statement formally adopted by the authority.

Council leader Don Mackenzie said: “Whilst we have a duty to the council taxpayer to obtain the best value for money for the goods and services we buy, it is also important that we give local businesses as much information and opportunity as we possibly can to win our business in what is a highly competitive market. 

“This statement of procurement seeks to do this without compromising the council’s fundamental duty to ensure high quality and best value on behalf of our residents.

“We have a firm commitment to help and support local businesses. Our other initiatives include free business advice and a prompt payment code to make sure we pay suppliers on time.”

The council is also publishing a register to show which companies have secured work and when those contracts are up for renewal.

The moves are the latest as part of the council’s “Working for your Business” initiative.