A new procurement initiative from Argyll and Bute Council is set to benefit communities looking for help with projects in their local area. The new process enables contractors and suppliers appointed by the council to choose from a list of proposed community benefits, that community groups have identified, as part of the tender.
The Community Benefit Scheme can include a range of benefits including anything from additional volunteering hours to help create raised beds, supporting fundraising towards a new minibus, providing building or decorating materials and help with planting or weeding.
Communities are being urged to complete an online application form detailing the support that they would like to be considered.
How does it work?
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Community groups will be asked to apply online for requests for help with projects in their local area
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Once approved, requests will be added to a wish list
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As part of the tender award any contract worth over £200,000 must include a community benefit
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If the tender award is under £200,000, contractors and suppliers can still choose from the wish list
Councillor Rory Colville, Policy Lead for Corporate Services:
“I’m pleased to announce the launch of this new initiative that will help communities across Argyll and Bute with a range of projects close to their hearts. Following a review of the procurement process, we wanted to include more opportunities for suppliers working in the area to donate to projects that mean a lot to the people living in Argyll and Bute.
Sometimes the smallest of offers can mean the most to the many volunteers who give their time to improving the lives of others in their community. Our new procurement process demonstrates that the council is listening to the needs of our communities and can now coordinate help and support where needed. I would encourage anyone who is looking for help to get in touch.”
Further information and an online application form for communities can be found on the council website /forms/community-benefits. Enquiries can also be emailed to communitybenefits@argyll-bute.gov.uk
Once a contract has been awarded, successful tenders will choose from the wish list and set a timescale to liaise with the community request. Contractors will make their own selection from the list and the council is unable to guarantee that all requests will be selected. Please bear this in mind if your request is time constrained.