Decision details

The Board received a report from the Strategic Director – Enterprise, Community and Resources, which requested approval to waive procurement standing orders to award a contract to develop the Runcorn Town Deal Project Business Cases.

Halton Borough Council had secured £23.6m to deliver the Runcorn Town Investment Plan, which included seven projects.  In order to draw down funding, a robust business case for each project was required against a challenging timetable set by Government for the completion of these.  Members were advised that external consultancy support was required to progress the work and it was proposed that the contract for delivering this specialist support be awarded to Amion Consulting Limited.

The report provided some background information in respect of Amion and gave examples of previous Council projects where the Company had provided technical support.  It was noted that Amion was knowledgeable of the area, had already established good working relations with project sponsors and had indepth knowledge of project proposals.  It was agreed that this approach offered the Council good value for money as well as an opportunity to commence this work quickly, thereby reducing the risks of business cases not being completed within the required timeframe.

RESOLVED:  That

1)    Procurement Standing Orders 3.1 be waived to approve the appointment of Amion Consulting Limited to undertake Town Deal Project Business Cases until August 2022, using the same terms as the original contract.  The value of the contract is estimated to be £150k; and

2)    in accordance with the provisions of Procurement Standing Orders, 1.14.4 and 1.14.5 (ii) Procurement Standing Orders be waived on this occasion.