Revising procurement policy ‘not bound by EU directives’
GUERNSEY procurement policy is not bound by EU directives or those that the UK may be tied to under any potential Brexit deal.
Economic Development president Neil Inder confirmed Guernsey could set its own procurement policy after being asked about any interaction with EU rules or otherwise at a recent Guernsey Chamber of Commerce event.
‘As Guernsey is not a member of the EU we are not required to follow or bound by EU directives or any other similar directives which the UK may be tied to under any potential Brexit agreement,’ said Deputy Inder, in a rapid response to the audience member who posted the question.
‘We are responsible for the setting of our own policy and in the context of ensuring public money is spent responsibly we are required to ensure fairness, objectivity and equitable treatment in our procurement processes and selection decisions.
‘This situation affords us more latitude and enables us to make better use of professional judgment.’
At the event, Deputy Inder said that millions of pounds could be added to the economy through revising States procurement policy. Key to his vision was a focus on ‘localisation’ – with results potentially seen within a year or so.
It could also help unlock the States’ ‘Revive & Thrive’ strategy to recover from the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the audience heard.
Training could also be given to local firms when it comes to putting together submissions for government tenders, said the ED president.
‘Fifty-three percent of government procurement goes into the economy on an annual basis.
‘Now, if we can pick that up another 10 points in the next year that will add another £15m. into the economy,’ said Deputy Inder.
‘If you squint at it a bit, it looks a bit like a Revive and Thrive fund.’
He also said that work was already under way in relation to revising the current policy.
‘I am in close communication with the procurement lead and we have had sight of a plan that we can implement within three months or so.
‘Our next steps will be to identify those sectors of the economy which could potentially be targeted.’
