Working with other authorities

Working with other authorities

Sometimes authorities work together to jointly purchase common goods and services. Joining forces with other local authorities and other public sector bodies allows the council to achieve economies of scale and get better value for money, as well as often offering suppliers a more attractive and more sustainable contract.

What goods and services are common to all authorities?

Authorities are able to collaborate on a wide range of goods and services, including:

Goods and services that can be collaborated on by authorities
Essential items Common items Statutory requirements
  • Stationery
  • Furniture
  • Agency workers
  • Printers and consumables
  • Information and communication technology equipment
  • Gas and electricity
  • Consultancy services including quantity surveyors, specialist solicitors, etc
  • Training courses
  • Devon Maintenance Panel Agreement
  • Minor building or maintenance works
  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DSB) checks
  • Bailiff services
  • Tree services
  • Water testing
  • Provision and management of housing, planning, provision of crematoria and collection of council tax

If you are a supplier interested in providing any of the above or similar to North Devon Council, please bear in mind that the council might not procure these goods or services directly and instead might buy in to a contract established by another authority

Who do we collaborate with?

North Devon Council works with other public sector bodies throughout Devon through the Devon Procurement Partnership (DPP) which aims to maximise the benefits of spending by Devon public sector bodies. The DPP is made up of Devon local authorities from the Devon region as well as Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, the Met Office, Dartmoor National Park, Exeter University and others. Collaborative procurement opportunities are generally advertised on Supplying the South West.

North Devon Council also collaborates with various other public sector bodies through:

  • the use of framework agreements which other public sector bodies have procured on the council's behalf and allow the council to call off contracts with suppliers
  • the use of another public sector body's contract where that contract permits the council to enter into a further direct contract with a supplier and
  • contracting with central purchasing bodies which then sub-contract with suppliers on the council's behalf

While it may not always be possible or appropriate to advertise the contract opportunity for these sorts of collaborative procurement on Supplying the South West the council will always include the resultant contract on its Contracts Register.

Contact information

Procurement Team
Legal Services
North Devon Council
PO Box 379
Barnstaple
Devon
EX32 2GR

Telephone: 01271 388285 
For Typetalk: precede with 18001
Email: supplyingndc@northdevon.gov.uk
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