The Director of Technical Services provided an update on the performance of the Consultant Framework Arrangement for commissioning professional consultant services in the Technical Services Department. He outlined the benefits of the use of the framework and commented upon the performance of consultants, all of which but one had confirmed their wish for the arrangement to be extended for a further 12 months.

Resolved –

(1)  That the extension of the existing Consultant Framework Arrangement for a further 12 months from 1 November 2009 to 31 October 2010, subject to the revisions set out in the report now submitted, be approved.

(2)  That the advertising and procurement of a new Consultant Framework panel in accordance with the Council’s procurement rules, to be in place from 1 November 2010, be approved.