Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

That a call off contract for the provision and supply of library resources be awarded to Askews and Holts Library Services Ltd.  This call off contract would be under the CBC Framework for the provision of Library Books and Audio Visual Materials. 

Reasons for Decisions:

The existing contract will expire on 31 March 2017.  Access to an existing framework, in compliance with the requirement of Public Contract Regulations and Procurement Standing Orders has been completed, and the recommendations provide best value for money for the Council following a thorough evaluation process.

[The decision on this item may be called in by either the Council Overview Board or the Resident Experience Scrutiny Board]

Following the representation by Mrs Watson that some information contained in the part 2 report could be considered in public, a revised report was tabled at the meeting, which included three additional paragraphs in the ‘Background and Options Considered’ section.

The Cabinet Member for Localities and Community Wellbeing began his introduction of the report by quoting the numbers of current members that Surrey libraries had across its 52 libraries. He said that after a full and detailed options analysis, it was decided to award a call off contract under the Central Buying Consortium (CBC). He also informed Members that the library supply market was now limited to just three book suppliers and two audio visual suppliers.

He also highlighted the risk management and implications section of the report, which stated that the contract could be terminated, without penalties after 30 days.

Finally, he was pleased to report that an Equality Impact Assessment had been undertaken and drew attention to key points within it, including the 12 recommendations at the end of this assessment.

Other Members made the following points:

·         The library service was ‘much loved’ by Surrey residents

·         That an impressive amount of work had been undertaken in the service to contain and reduce costs

·         That Surrey libraries were the hub of the community and much more than a ‘book borrowing’ place. They were the place to go for information and connectivity

·         Equality Impact Assessment and the reference to the work done to meet the requirements of the Public Libraries and Museum Act 1964 – this was a good reminder of the duties of every library authority

·         The large number of Surrey residents that used libraries

·         The need to continue to maximise the use of all library premises.

RESOLVED:

That a call off contract for the provision and supply of library resources be awarded to Askews and Holts Library Services Ltd.  This call off contract would be under the CBC Framework for the provision of Library Books and Audio Visual Materials. 

Reasons for Decisions:

The existing contract will expire on 31 March 2017.  Access to an existing framework, in compliance with the requirement of Public Contract Regulations and Procurement Standing Orders has been completed, and the recommendations provide best value for money for the Council following a thorough evaluation process.