The Director of Finance provided a summary of progress made by the Merseyside Procurement Collaboration and sought authority to continue the work via partner contributions. He indicated that to date, external of £224,000 had contributed to the collaboration registering some £20m in savings, which were retained by partner organisations. The direct cost to the Council, for the partner contribution would be £11,135 for each of the next two years and would be met from the Efficiency Investment Budget.

Resolved –

(1)  That the progress to date of the Merseyside Procurement Collaboration be noted.

(2)  That Cabinet agrees to continue with the Merseyside Procurement Collaboration.

(3)  That a contribution of £11,135 to be funded from the Efficiency Investment Budget be approved.