The Executive Director of Resources submitted a report seeking approval for a proposed Social Value Policy. Attached to the report at Appendix 1 was the National TOMs (Themes, Outcomes, Measures) overview and at Appendix 2 the draft Social Value Policy.

The report noted that the Council wanted to ensure best value from all its procurement and contracts, including the attainment of social value which supported the Council’s Corporate Plan priorities and added value to Reading residents. To provide a framework for commissioners and contract managers across the Council setting out how to derive social value from procurement and contract management activity, as well as provide clarity for suppliers on how it would be measured, together with key areas of interest, it was proposed that the Council adopt a Social Value Policy. The draft proposed for adoption was attached to the report at Appendix 2.

The report explained that the draft Policy was not intended to define priorities for social value in absolute terms as it needed to be relevant and proportionate to the contract being let. However, it was expected that social value sought would be in line with the Council’s corporate priorities and Corporate Plan. Additionally, in response to Covid, support for skills, employment and digital inclusion were included as a theme.  The report outlined how it was intended to measure and monitor the social value obtained to ensure that the desired outcomes were being delivered.

Resolved –

          That the draft Social Value Policy as attached at Appendix 2, together with the proposed approach to obtaining and measuring social value as outlined in the report, be agreed.

The Executive Director of Resources submitted a report seeking approval for an updated Corporate Debt Recovery Policy, which was attached to the report at Appendix 1.

The report noted that the Council’s current Corporate Debt Recovery Policy had been approved by Policy Committee at its meeting on 3 November 2014 (Minute 47 refers) and had enabled all Directorates to have consistent debt recovery processes, and fully understand their role and responsibilities in the process.  The Policy and its Appendices were a compilation of recovery policies relating to outstanding debts raised by various departments across the Council, and had been reviewed in conjunction with all departments to ensure its accuracy and viability.

The report noted that the benefits to the Council of the proposed policy would include achieving the best possible cash flow whilst ensuring that the liability to pay was calculated correctly, providing good financial management and control across the Council, providing a basis for enforcement action to be reasonable, and ensuring that those who were vulnerable were assisted in meeting their financial obligation to the Council.

Resolved -

(1)      That the Corporate Debt Recovery Policy, as set out at Appendix 1, be approved;

(2)      That delegated authority be given to the Chief Finance Officer, in consultation with the relevant Lead Councillor, to make minor amendments to update the Policy and to reflect any service improvements or changes in the future.