20.12 When is there no need to seek quotes or tenders?

(a) Emergencies

If there is an emergency or a disaster, the chief executive can approve spending outside these rules after consulting the head of finance. The leader and the chair of the relevant area committee must be told as soon as possible.

(b) Written approval of head of finance

Heads of service do not have to get quotes for contracts of £100,000 or less if they have the written approval of the head of finance and there is no competition because the goods or services are unique or highly specialised or seeking quotes will not help achieve best value.

(c) Purchasing consortiums

Heads of service do not have to get quotes or go out to tender if they have used a purchasing consortium that can show it follows the law and good procurement practice.

Page last reviewed 22 Oct 2008