Efficiencies in Procurement and Social Care

The Scottish Government has published a report titled ‘Efficiencies in Procurement’ that outlines savings made to date in public sector spending and plans for the year ahead. 

The Public Procurement Reform Programme in Scotland began in 2006 following the publication of a review by John McClelland CBE into public sector procurement in Scotland.  The review concluded that urgent action was required to improve the purchasing of goods and services.  To date over £800 million savings have been achieved.

Social care spending equates to approximately 12% of all Scottish public sector procurement and in 2008-09 this amounted to £1.14 billion.  Guidance on the procurement of care and support services has been developed jointly by the Scottish Government in consultation with key stakeholders. It recognises that the procurement of care and support services requires special consideration because of its significant impact on the quality of life, health and wellbeing of service users and carers. The new guidelines mean that those buying care and support will have to ensure the people who receive the service - and their carers - have the chance to be involved in the process.

Source:  The Scottish Government

Tags: Finance, Local Authority, Scottish Government